NZ companies ditching ‘climate targets’

Several major New Zealand companies have withdrawn from the “Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTI)”, raising questions about the feasibility and effectiveness of corporate “climate commitments”.

Air New Zealand, Auckland Airport, and Silver Fern Farms, among others, have either failed to meet their deadlines or pulled out after stricter requirements were introduced, particularly those involving supply chain emissions.

Critics argue that these targets, while promoted as essential for combating so-called “climate change”, often impose unrealistic burdens on businesses without clear pathways for success.

Auckland Airport, for example, met its initial goals but exited when the initiative demanded accountability for emissions beyond its direct control, such as jet fuel usage by airlines.

Meanwhile, some companies, like Silver Fern Farms, claim they are still committed but face bureaucratic hurdles in getting their targets approved.

This trend of companies walking away from their “climate pledges” suggests a growing realisation that aggressive emissions targets may be impractical or detrimental to business operations.

Critics of climate regulations argue that these corporate commitments often serve more as public relations exercises than genuine sustainability measures.

While proponents of SBTI say it provides much-needed accountability, others note its reliance on carbon offsets and shifting goalposts undermine its credibility.

Billionaire Jeff Bezos recently pulled funding from the initiative, coinciding with broader skepticism towards climate policies.

Image credit: Stijn te Strake