New Zealand Bans Offshore Oil and Gas Drilling

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, ” We’re striking the right balance for New Zealand — we’re 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 drillingsaid in a statement, ” Half the world’s whale and dolphin species visit or live in New Zealand waters, from the critically endangered Maui’s 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 Zealand’s oil and gas in the ground reduces everyone’s risk, and tells the world we’re 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:

• 5 Shocking Ways Oil Exploration Harms Whales in the Arctic
• Environmental Groups Sue Trump Administration Over 700,000 Acres of California Land Being Used For Drilling
• 10 Phenomenal Organizations Working to End Offshore Drilling
• Trump Administration Plans to Open Up the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge For Oil Drilling

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