Scientists warn that reforms entrench instability as climate risks grow
Tue 3 Feb 2026
By Shannon Morris-Williams | Science reforms intended to strengthen New Zealand’s research system are instead compounding long-standing failures, according to the New Zealand Association of Scientists, which says instability, lost capability and weak accountability are leaving the country increasingly exposed to climate hazards.
The politics of risk in 2026
Tue 3 Feb 2026
The opening speeches of Parliament’s first sitting days offered little new policy detail, but they repeated the themes likely to define energy and environment politics in 2026 - and the framing each party wants to carry into an election year.
Changes to climate reporting expected by mid-year
Tue 3 Feb 2026
Changes to New Zealand’s climate reporting requirements are expected to become law by mid year, with the Finance and Expenditure Committee recommending passing the bill when it reported it back last week.
Kiwis want Govt investment to reduce climate risk
Mon 2 Feb 2026
New Zealanders strongly support proactive efforts to reduce the risks from climate related events like flooding, landslips and sea level rise and keep communities safe, according to a new survey.
Opposition attacks Govt over fossil fuel phaseout backdown
Mon 2 Feb 2026
By Liz Kivi | Revelations that Resources Minister Shane Jones ruled out New Zealand signing up to a 'road map' away from fossil fuels at last year’s global climate summit show the National Party’s minor coalition partners’ undue influence over the Government, according to Labour leader Chris Hipkins.
CARBON PRICE
Tue 3 Feb 2026
Exclusively for subscribers, the Carbon News NZU Index tracks daily movements in the compliance carbon market across multiple trading platforms.
Carbon News updates ten-year NZU forward curve
27 Jan 2026
Carbon News has updated its ten-year NZU forward curve, following a recent fall in carbon spot prices.
Why did NZUs fall a further $5 over the holiday period?
26 Jan 2026
By Liz Kivi | NZU prices dropped a further $5, or 14%, from an already weak base over the holiday period, with the carbon price falling to its lowest in five years in mid-January.
How wrong they were: NZU-holder poll
26 Jan 2026
By Pattrick Smellie | Just 6% of NZU-holders who answered a Ministry for the Environment poll last year anticipated a decrease in the price of a tonne of carbon in the NZ Emissions Trading Scheme.
Carbon News publishes ten-year NZU forward curve
10 Dec 2025
Carbon News has published a new ten-year NZU forward curve mapping how carbon prices could evolve through to 2035 under a range of policy and market conditions.
UN risks 'imminent financial collapse', secretary general warns
Tue 3 Feb 2026
The United Nations is at risk of "imminent financial collapse" due to member states not paying their fees, the body's head has warned.
US court says Energy Dept climate group violated law
Tue 3 Feb 2026
The Trump administration violated federal law when it secretly formed a climate science advisory group to work on a contentious global warming report, a court has ruled.
Fossil fuel firms may have to pay for climate damage under proposed UN tax
Tue 3 Feb 2026
Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation could also force ultra-rich to pay global wealth tax.
US to unveil $12B mineral stockpile in race against China
Tue 3 Feb 2026
The White House is planning to unveil “Project Vault” as officials from at least 40 countries head to Washington to discuss a minerals market to counter Beijing.
EU carbon price forecasts edge up in volatile start to the year
Tue 3 Feb 2026
Analysts raised slightly their forecasts for prices in the European Union's carbon market for the next couple of years while predicting volatile trading in 2026 as the benchmark contract moves with Europe’s gas prices.
Fast-moving floodwater poses hidden danger for cities
Tue 3 Feb 2026
Media release: University of Canterbury | Floodwater doesn’t have to be deep to be dangerous — sometimes it just has to be moving.
Waituna Lagoon in better health for World Wetlands Day
Tue 3 Feb 2026
Media release: Department of Conservation | A new survey of Waituna Lagoon in Southland shows a significant improvement in health for the internationally important Ramsar wetland compared to a year ago.
CLIMATE CALENDAR
Tue 3 Feb 2026
The Carbon News calendar of talks, events, conferences, consultations, and petitions related to climate change.
Govt cuts biosecurity levy for international travellers
Mon 2 Feb 2026
Media release: New Zealand Government | From today, the biosecurity part of the Border Processing Levy will drop by 30 percent for most arriving travellers, Minister for Biosecurity Andrew Hoggard says.
Deforestation and cropland expansion driving stronger heatwaves
Thu 29 Jan 2026
New research has revealed that land clearing and rapid development can sharply intensify heatwaves beyond the impacts of global warming, offering important lessons for many countries already grappling with record-breaking heat.
