New Zealand: Progress in the Pacific

Ambitious targets on emissions must be met alongside economic growth

Earlier this year, net migration to New Zealand hit a record high, according to some estimates. The fast pace of economic expansion, not to mention some breathtaking scenery and a purported laid-back island lifestyle have all made the Pacific country desirable for incomers. But while net migration of more than 70,000 people per year hints at the success story of economic growth at almost 3% annually, to a GDP of $185bn last year, New Zealand has some challenges ahead in its energy sector. A Paris agreement target of reducing emissions by 30% by 2030 compared with 2005 levels is "ambitious", admits John Carnegie, secretary of the World Energy Council's New Zealand committee and executive dire