The New Zealand government has slashed funding for climate initiatives in its latest budget, sparking accusations of neglecting environmental protection.
Eva Corlett reports for The Guardian.
In short:
- The budget prioritizes spending on law and order, education, and health, with no significant new investments in climate-related projects.
- Critics argue the government's approach is backward-looking, focusing on resilience rather than proactive climate mitigation.
- Significant cuts were made to various climate and environmental programs, including the Emissions Reductions Plan and the Climate Change Commission.
Key quote:
"The government’s biggest new investment in the environment is to implement reforms that are going to cause untold environmental harm through the fast track."
— Richard Capie, general manager of conservation, Forest and Bird
Why this matters:
New Zealand's reduced investment in climate action amid a global climate crisis could hinder efforts to combat environmental degradation and climate change. The budget cuts might undermine progress on sustainable development and resilience against future climate-related disasters.
