The Zero Carbon Bill has passed its first reading in Parliament today, and Forest & Bird is welcoming the progress on this landmark legislation to make Aotearoa carbon neutral.

"We're very pleased to see the Zero Carbon Bill pass its first reading in Parliament. The public will have a big opportunity soon to make the Bill as strong and effective at reducing greenhouse gas emissions as it can be," says Forest & Bird spokesperson Geoff Keey.

"The Bill puts us on the path to a zero carbon future. That's what nature needs, and that's what future generations need."

The Zero Carbon Bill currently separates reduction targets for methane, from farm animals like cows, from other greenhouse gases. Forest & Bird has called for methane emissions to have a target of net-zero, just like every other greenhouse gas.

“When the Government consulted New Zealanders last year, 91% of those who submitted called for a net zero all gases target. Climate change demands we do everything we can to reduce emissions, not pick and choose which industries get off lightly,” says Mr Keey.

"We also want the Bill to take better account of nature."

"We know healthy native forests, oceans, and coastlines are essential for soaking up carbon and protecting us from floods and storms. But right now, our native species are already in serious trouble, and climate change could be the nail in the coffin."

"We need to make sure our efforts to reduce emissions don't harm nature, by spreading wilding pines, or building dams that destroy native habitat. That would be a continuation of the short-term thinking that is causing run-away climate change."

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