New Zealand

New Zealand’s climate finance lifeline not enough to reach frontline countries – Oxfam

December 10, 2020

New Zealand’s overseas climate finance is a lifeline to many of the world’s poorest countries and communities on the frontlines of climate change, but the level of funding provided until now falls far below what is needed to meet our international obligations, according to Oxfam figures published today.

Oxfam’s new report Standing With The Frontlines, released ahead of the Climate Ambition Summit this weekend, presents fresh analysis which suggests that out of 23 high-income countries, New Zealand’s level of climate finance funding ranks just 21^st when calculated on a per capita basis.

New Zealand performs well in other areas of climate finance, such as providing grants instead of loans. Given that many countries over-inflate their climate finance by counting full loan and non-concessional grant values, New Zealand’s position improves slightly to 14^th when adjusted for grant and grant-equivalent contributions – but is still far below countries of comparable size such as Ireland and Denmark.

Climate finance refers to funding of initiatives that meaningfully contribute to developing countries’ climate adaptation and mitigation efforts. Under international agreements stretching back to 2010, rich countries including New Zealand promised to help mobilise at least USD$100bn in climate finance per year by 2025. The deadline for this collective goal has already been extended once, from 2020, after it became clear that contributions would not meet the required threshold.

According to the latest reported figures, New Zealand provides NZ$10.60 per capita per year in climate finance, or just under NZ$51m per year in total. Despite the government’s goal of providing NZ$75m a year in climate finance through to 2022, the country remains far behind contributing its fair share. Oxfam calculates that New Zealand’s fair share of the US$100bn goal would range between NZ$301.5m and $540m per year.

As many developing countries reel from the effects of coronavirus, climate-induced extreme weather risks are compounding crises and poverty. Climate destruction will undo decades of progress in development and dramatically increase global inequalities. There is an urgent need for climate finance to help countries cope and adapt.

“Compared to other high-income countries, when population is taken into account, New Zealand is not a generous climate finance donor,” said Alex Johnston, Campaigns Lead at Oxfam New Zealand.

Johnston said New Zealand has a moral obligation to developing countries to increase its climate finance. “In the afterglow of a symbolic step to declare a climate change emergency, we’re asking the New Zealand government to step up their climate finance contributions to meet the threshold for urgent action and deliver the vital support to developing countries that is promised.

“New Zealand’s funding of climate action overseas is a crucial way that we can stand with those on the frontlines of climate change. The way we deliver climate finance in the form of grants and with a large proportion towards adaptation sets us up to be a role model for other nations.

“But the quantities we are delivering are just not enough – we need to see a doubling of climate finance levels within a proportionately rising aid budget to get closer to doing our fair share. With the pivotal COP26 talks next year, and when we’ve just declared a climate emergency – now is the time to deliver.

“Climate finance is a lifeline for communities facing record heatwaves, terrifying storms and devastating floods. Wealthy countries like New Zealand, who have the economic capacity to act and the historical responsibility for causing climate change, owe nations on the frontlines urgent and proportionate finance to meet the scale of the crisis on their doorsteps.”

Sign the Bighearts petition, calling for a boost to New Zealand’s overseas aid and climate action here

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For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Kelsey-Rae Taylor on Kelsey-Rae.Taylor@oxfam.org.nz or +6421 298 5894.

Notes to editors

Download the full report Standing With The Frontlines here
New Zealand’s climate finance contribution stands at US$7 (NZ$10.60) per person. The highest-contributing countries per capita far outstrip this with contributions between US$40 and US$96 per person. Similar sized countries, such as Ireland (US$14 per person) and Denmark (US$27 per person) also surpass New Zealand’s contribution.
Oxfam’s analysis also highlights the need for scrutiny of what is counted as climate finance, as some of New Zealand’s overseas development projects – including one in Myanmar aimed at growing dairy product volumes and markets – had funding attributed to “climate finance” yet had no apparent climate adaptation component.
In July, Oxfam and a dozen of New Zealand’s leading international aid agencies launched a joint campaign, calling for New Zealand to dramatically increase its aid funding and climate finance for poorer countries. Visit www.bighearts.org.nz for more information.

Oxfam reaction to NZ government’s declaration of climate emergency

December 2, 2020

In response to the New Zealand government’s move to declare a climate emergency, Oxfam New Zealand’s Campaigns Lead Alex Johnston said:

“It’s significant to see the New Zealand government formally recognise the urgency of our climate crisis, and we hope this symbolic step heralds swift and just climate action here and on the world stage.

“As the Prime Minister has acknowledged herself, what’s important is to follow through with the required ambition and policy measures. New Zealand has talked a big game about tackling climate change, but we still have a long way to go in achieving results.

“It’s also crucial that urgent climate action goes hand in hand with a just and inclusive process that centres historically marginalised groups including Māori, Pacific and disabled communities. An emergency response that side-lines people’s rights will not advance the cause of climate justice.

“To meet the climate crisis with the urgency required, Oxfam is calling on the New Zealand government to significantly enhance our 2030 target to reduce emissions under the Paris agreement alongside the domestic policies to meet it, and to immediately double our funding of climate action in frontline and developing countries.

“These measures will take us closer to our fair share of climate finance and closer to pulling our weight in the effort to keep global heating to less than 1.5 degrees.

“It’s inexcusable that our country is one of the few industrialised nations in the world where net emissions have kept going up since 1990 – and that trajectory is not going to change much on current policy. We are also one of the lowest contributors per capita in climate finance for communities on the frontlines.

“Across the world, and with around 1 degree of global heating, climate change is already fuelling deadly cyclones, huge locust swarms that have devastated crops, and unprecedented heatwaves and wildfires. No one is immune, but it is the poorest and most marginalised people who are hardest hit.

“We must act, and act quickly, to overcome this challenge as a global community. We look forward to seeing more ambitious action from our government – including doing our fair share for the communities on the frontlines.”

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For interviews or more information please contact:

Kelsey-Rae Taylor | Kelsey-Rae.Taylor@oxfam.org.nz | 021 298 9854

Oxfam Trailwalker charity event reaches new heights with record sign-ups

October 2, 2020

New Zealand’s largest team endurance event, Oxfam Trailwalker, is set to welcome a record-breaking number of teams to the Taranaki region on 21-22 March 2021, having surpassed the last record for number of registrations set in 2013.

With the borders closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, Kiwis have turned to this bucket-list event as a way to challenge themselves and challenge poverty. Across the nation participants have rallied their friends and whānau to take part in this ultimate challenge, which sees teams of four tackle either 100 kilometres in 36 hours or 50 kilometres in 18 hours to raise vital funds for Oxfam’s work fighting injustice and poverty.

Since the event’s launch in June, over 310 teams of four have stepped up to the challenge. Oxfam Trailwalker is a Kiwi-classic event that explores New Zealand’s finest regions and frequently attracts everyone from trail-walking novices to pro-athletes seeking an opportunity to experience an exclusive trail and a personal challenge they can feel proud of.

It’s hoped the event will be a superb showcase for this beautiful corner of Aotearoa, hit as many other regions have been by the global pandemic. Oxfam’s events manager Lizzie Quill said the charity is prepared to welcome an influx of teams to the first event held in the Taranaki region.

“We are tremendously excited to reach this milestone, and look forward to putting on a thrilling and safe event for all involved in March,” said Quill.

“It’s great to see that so many people have clearly connected with Oxfam Trailwalker as a way to beat the lockdown lethargy and get out and explore New Zealand. Not only are you challenging yourself by doing so, you will be supporting local communities through visiting a gorgeous part of our country as well as making a genuine difference to people around the world with every step.”

Registrations are still open but due to the high interest so far, limited spots are available. Step up to this incredible team challenge and register at www.oxfamtrailwalker.org.nz.

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For more information or to arrange an interview please contact:

Kelsey-Rae Taylor | Kelsey-Rae.Taylor@oxfam.org.nz | +64 21 298 9854

New Zealand must scale up climate ambition to meet zero emissions by 2030 – Oxfam report

September 16, 2020

Oxfam New Zealand is publishing a ground-breaking report on New Zealand’s contribution to global climate action this week.

A Fair 2030 Target for Aotearoa shows the stark discrepancy between what New Zealand is currently doing and what it should be doing, to meet its commitments under the Paris Agreement and to stand with our Pacific neighbours and others on the frontlines of climate breakdown.

The report highlights how New Zealand must enhance its 2030 target under the Paris Agreement and increase climate finance for developing countries as a critical part of meeting our fair share of the global effort to limit warming to 1.5 degrees.

Oxfam New Zealand Campaigns Lead Alex Johnston said: “What’s clear is that New Zealand is not doing its fair share to keep global heating within 1.5 degrees. Our neighbours in the Pacific know all too well that the impacts of climate change are not distributed equally – nor should the responsibility for tackling it. As a well-off, industrialised nation New Zealand has a responsibility to do more than the global average to reduce emissions.

“Our fair share equates to getting emissions to zero by 2030. If we can’t manage that domestically, we must support frontline countries who would be forced to carry our load. We can do this by greatly increasing climate finance.”

Through the Zero Carbon Act incorporating the Paris Agreement’s principles, there is a legal obligation for New Zealand to consider equity and how the burden of reducing emissions is shared between different countries – including our relative wealth, and historic pollution compared to developing countries.

According to the report, if every country were to share the effort to keep to 1.5 degrees based purely on their population when the Paris Agreement was signed, New Zealand would still need to reduce emissions by 80% from 1990 levels by 2030.

When considering historical responsibility, New Zealand’s fair share of global efforts to reach 1.5 degrees would increase to reductions of at least 99% by 2030. Our current target is equivalent to an 11% reduction.

Johnston said before the next major global milestone on climate action, COP26 next year, we must increase our 2030 target by our maximum possible ambition, and make up the gap between what we can do domestically and what our fair share is through greatly enhancing the climate finance we give to developing countries to reduce their emissions and adapt to climate breakdown.

“As we look to recover from the pandemic and its effects on communities, now is the moment to reset the barometer of action and look to where we are heading. Our current pathway is miles off a safe climate future. If Aotearoa is to be a good Pacific neighbour, we need to aim for the best chance of staying to 1.5 degrees, and to pull our weight to get there.”

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For more information or to arrange an interview please contact:

Kelsey-Rae Taylor | Kelsey-Rae.Taylor@oxfam.org.nz | +64 21 298 9854

Notes to editors:

Oxfam New Zealand’s report A Fair 2030 Target for Aotearoa is available to download here

New Zealand’s current Nationally Determined Contribution under the Paris Agreement sets a 2030 emissions reduction target of 30% below 2005 levels, equivalent to 11% below 1990 levels. This international target is distinct from the targets set under the Zero Carbon Act.
The Climate Commission has been asked by the Minister of Climate Change to advise on the consistency of New Zealand’s current Paris Agreement 2030 target with global efforts to keep to 1.5 degrees, ahead of the next global climate talks, COP26, to be held in Glasgow next year.
Oxfam and a dozen more of New Zealand’s leading international aid agencies launched a joint campaign in July at www.bighearts.org.nz, calling for New Zealand to dramatically increase its aid funding and climate finance for poorer countries.

A Fair 2030 Target for Aotearoa Report

September 16, 2020

New Zealand should greatly enhance its 2030 target under the Paris Agreement on the basis of equity. Climate finance for developing countries must play a critical part in meeting our fair share of the global effort to limit warming to 1.5ºC.

Aotearoa New Zealand’s current Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) of 11% off 1990 levels by 2030 falls short of its equitable contribution to the global effort to limit warming to 1.5ºC.

International and New Zealand law both require the Government to consider equity in setting emissions budgets and targets, and therefore to differentiate New Zealand’s emissions reductions.

Several competing equity models exist. When each model is based on a trajectory that limits warming to 1.5ºC, with no or limited overshoot, these models suggest that New Zealand’s fair NDC for 2030 would involve emissions reductions ranging from at least 57% off 1990 levels, to cutting emissions by 99%, or even reaching net negative emissions by 2030.

Click here to read ‘A Fair 2030 Target For Aotearoa’ Report

Click here for the supporting calculations

Oxfam report says New Zealand’s aid not going where it is needed most

August 11, 2020

The New Zealand government’s aid in developing countries is not going to projects where it is needed most, says Oxfam, according to a new report published by agency today.

Less than two percent of aid spending went to activities focused solely on climate adaptation, according to the latest data in the report, and almost half have no gender equality component, despite a long-standing commitment from the government to mainstream gender across its aid programme.

With the global pandemic threatening to put progress against poverty back by decades, the report says now more than ever New Zealand needs to expand its aid budget. Aid remains a crucial tool for governments to use to make sure everyone, everywhere has their fundamental needs met for safety, good health and economic security.

The report, called Collective Resilience: New Zealand’s aid contribution in times of inequality and crises, is the first external review of New Zealand’s aid programme in over two decades.

Oxfam New Zealand’s Communications and Advocacy Director and co-author of the report, Dr Joanna Spratt, said: “While New Zealand’s aid contribution has some firm foundations, there is room for substantial improvement, including in climate action, gender justice and addressing inequality. Aid has a critical role to play in fighting both inequality and poverty, as the world faces looming challenges due to a pandemic, global recession, and climate destruction.

“We are yet to witness the full impact of the coronavirus in developing countries across the world. What is certain is that the spread of the virus will be catastrophic for people already living in poverty. Meanwhile, climate breakdown remains a significant challenge to ensuring all people, everywhere, can survive and thrive.”

Collective Resilience outlines six principles for improving both the quality and quantity of New Zealand’s aid, along with a suite of recommendations, for example, expanding its focus on climate action. Currently, despite New Zealand’s focus on giving aid to the Pacific region where climate breakdown has been declared the region’s greatest threat, we rank just 18 out of 29 OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) peers for aid contributions to climate adaptation.

Spratt said: “In a world where humanity is more connected than ever before – a fact the coronavirus pandemic starkly shows – aid is a crucial area of government expenditure to invest in the wellbeing of all people. Together we can navigate a path forward that puts people and planet first, and New Zealand’s overseas aid has an important role to play in forging this path.”

For further information and interviews please contact:

Kelsey-Rae Taylor | Kelsey-Rae.Taylor@oxfam.org.nz | +64 21 298 9854