New Zealand Declares a Climate Change Emergency

New Zealandhas declared a climate change emergency and committed to a carbon-neutral government by 2025, in what the prime minister Jacinda Ardern called "one of the greatest challenges of our time".

A motion tabled in parliament on Wednesday recognised "the devastating impact that volatile and extreme weather will have on New Zealand and the wellbeing of New Zealanders, on our primary industries, water availability, and public health through flooding, sea level rise, and wildfire".

Thirty-two other nations have formally acknowledged the global crisis by declaring a climate emergency.

The motion acknowledged the "alarming trend in species decline and global biodiversity" including the decline in New Zealand's indigenous biodiversity.

Speaking in parliament after its introduction, Ardern said the country must "act with urgency".

"This is a declaration of science," Ardern told parliament.

"This declaration is an acknowledgement of the next generation. An acknowledgement of the burden they will carry if we do not take action now."

She said it was an "important step forward" in New Zealand's plan to be carbon neutral by 2050.

The declaration of a climate emergency was supported by the Green Party and Maori Party and opposed by the National and Act parties.

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