New Zealand to Lift Ban on Offshore Petroleum Exploration to Bolster Energy Security

Jun 9, 2024, 05:26 AM

New Zealand's government is moving forward with plans to lift a ban on offshore petroleum exploration. This decision, which is set to be implemented in the second half of the year, is aimed at bolstering the country's energy security. The move follows a pledge by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's administration to resume offshore oil and gas prospecting after last October's election. The government will introduce a bill to reverse the ban. The Green Party has criticized the decision, labeling it a backward step for climate goals. This development comes amid a broader global trend of retreating from climate goals, as highlighted by discussions at COP28 and the changing climate narrative.