Methane targets and scientists' response

The story so far

In June 2025, more than 25 international climate scientists wrote an open letter to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon about proposed agriculture methane targets, warning they could jeopardise existing agreements.^{3 Jun 2025} The scientists' objections were to government plans to reduce New Zealand's methane emissions targets.^{10 Jun 2025} Luxon dismissed the scientists' concerns and called them "worthies", which prompted concern from Oxford University professor Paul Behrens.^{3, 10 Jun 2025} The Prime Minister's chief science adviser, John Roche, believes farmers will eventually adopt technologies designed to reduce emissions.^{12 Jun 2025} Some farming groups currently oppose developments such as methane vaccines, and Roche suggests producers need to see these products in action first.^{12 Jun 2025}

Latest

Roche has said farmers will eventually adopt emission-cutting technologies as methane science advances, though he suggests producers need to see products working first.^{12 Jun 2025}

Key moments

1. 3 Jun 2025More than 25 climate scientists write open letter to Luxon on methane targets
2. 10 Jun 2025Luxon calls critical scientists 'worthies'; Paul Behrens expresses concern
3. 12 Jun 2025Chief science adviser says farmers will eventually adopt emission-cutting technologies

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