New Zealand Bans Offshore Oil and Gas Drilling – One Green Planet

In November 2019, New Zealand passed a law that committed the country to carbon neutrality by 2050. In January, 2020, it passed a law banning new permits for offshore oil and gas drilling. This move will help the country meet its goal of carbon neutrality.

The law applies to new permits in the area. New Zealand has numerous existing permits, some of which expire in 2030. Prime Minister Jacinda Arden said of the new law, Were striking the right balance for New Zealand were protecting existing industry, and protecting future generations from climate change. Greenpeace New Zealand also praised the law calling it a huge win for our climate and people power. 50,000 people signed a Greenpeace petition calling for the ban.

Offshore drilling is dangerous to plants and animals in the ocean, along with being a source of greenhouse gas emissions. Kevin Hague, Chief Executive of Forest & Bird Conservation Group, said in a statement, Half the worlds whale and dolphin species visit or live in New Zealand waters, from the critically endangered Mauis dolphin to giant blue whales Today, these sensitive creatures are made safer from the threat of oil spills and the sonic barrage of seismic testing. Keeping New Zealands oil and gas in the ground reduces everyones risk, and tells the world were serious about reducing our contribution to climate change.

You can sign this petition to end offshore drilling in the United States.

Read more about oil drilling and offshore oil drilling in One Green Planet, check out these articles:

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New Zealand Bans Offshore Oil and Gas Drilling - One Green Planet