In New Zealand, the government has once again aroused the indignation of the opposition and environmental movements. He announced his intention to reverse the ban on new oil and gas exploration decided in 2018. For several months, the new right-wing coalition has been unraveling the climate policies put in place by the previous center-left executive and carried out by the iconic Jacinda Ardern.
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This Sunday, June 9, the right-wing government led by Chris Luxon announced that it would reverse the ban on exploring new oil and gas deposits. This goes against the recommendations of the International Energy Agency (IEA) which recommends leaving all unexplored fossil fuel reserves underground to be able to slow down the global warming and its deleterious effects.
Yesterday, Saturday, several thousand New Zealanders demonstrated in Auckland in particular, against another project of the conservative government, also considered climate-killing by the left and environmental movements. It’s about the ” fast track bill », a law to accelerate major infrastructure projects such as roads, mines, dams and housing in particular, by circumventing environmental regulations.
The priority economy
The executive’s argument is the same: the country’s poor economic situation. According to Christopher Luxon’s coalition, these environmental policies hinder economic development and jobs. “ Natural gas is crucial for our lighting and to run our economy, particularly during peak consumption. », justified New Zealand’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Shane Jones, in a press release.
The economy of New Zealand will be ” more sustainable and more efficient by prioritizing clean energy “, retorted Green MP Chloe Swarbrick.
At the end of May, the Conservative government also announced budget cuts particularly affecting the country’s environmental programs.
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