The use of fossil fuels releases greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. The emissions build up and trap the earth’s heat under it. This contributes to global temperature increases that in turn disrupt the climate. Rising sea levels, more frequent and severe storm events, flooding, coastal erosion and drought are just some of the climate change impacts we are likely to experience, and in some cases are already seeing.
Transport, primarily land transport, is the second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Aotearoa New Zealand (about 17% of our emissions) and our fastest growing source of domestic emissions. Climate change is expected to be the most significant influencer on the land transport system over the coming decade.
Our climate change action focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, adapting to a changing climate and reducing harm to the environment from land transport activities.
Waka Kotahi will:
Te hau mārohi ki anamata: towards a productive, sustainable and inclusive economy: Aotearoa New Zealand's first emissions reduction plan(external link)
Urutau, ka taurikura: kia tū pakari a Aotearoa i ngā huringa āhuarangi Adapt and thrive: building a climate-resilient New Zealand – New Zealand's first national adaptation plan(external link)
Carbon Neutral Government Programme(external link)
We’re taking a wide range of actions to transition to a low-emissions, climate-resilient transport system. See our Transport transition page for more information.
Because this is an increasingly important and developing area, we will be adding to and updating this section as new information and guidance is available.
The Government Policy Statement on Land Transport (GPS) 2021 includes climate change as a strategic priority and directs Waka Kotahi to support the rapid transition to a low-carbon and climate-resilient transport system.
Our current operational commitments, contained in our Environmental plan, are:
Environmental plan: improving environmental sustainability and public health in New Zealand
We are currently developing operational policy and guidance to embed both climate change mitigation and adaptation requirements into decision-making about capital projects and maintenance and operations. We expect this policy to be available mid-2023.
For further information contact environment@nzta.govt.nz