New Zealand government votes to bring back fossil fuel exploration in major reversal
Guardian2 days
New Zealand Parliament Repeals Offshore Oil and Gas Ban
Above: Simon Watts during the COP28, UN Climate Change Conference, on Dec. 9, 2023. Image copyright: Dominika Zarzycka/NurPhoto/Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-government narrative
The exploration ban severely impacted New Zealand's energy security and increased costs for ordinary families. Energy prices increased by over 10% while households used less power, and Transpower warned of blackout risks due to insufficient supply. Solar, wind and battery storage aren't emerging fast enough to replace dwindling gas reserves, leaving the country vulnerable to energy shortfalls.
Government-critical narrative
This government prioritizes multinational oil companies over climate action and New Zealand's international reputation. The egregious and deranged legislation comes just one week after the world's top court ruled that states must tackle fossil fuels or face reparations, highlighting the government's disregard for urgent climate responsibilities and international legal momentum toward fossil fuel accountability.