Study reveals NZ MPs' carbon emissions from air travel

A study by Pure SEO has revealed the carbon emissions generated by Members of Parliament (MPs) in New Zealand, with a particular focus on emissions resulting from air travel.

The research utilises publicly available travel expense data to estimate MPs' carbon emissions and highlights issues in tracking comprehensive emissions data. The study identifies that emissions from high-profile politicians, including the Prime Minister and members of the cabinet, may be underreported, and stresses the lack of a reliable tracking system for such data.

Discrepancies across party lines were found, with MPs like Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, Willie Jackson, and Paul Goldsmith noted for high emissions, pointing to inefficiencies in travel arrangements. The report also calls attention to emissions from the Green Party representatives, raising concerns about accountability given their pro-environment policies.

Richard Conway, CEO of Pure SEO, emphasised the neutral approach of the research, aiming to foster discussions regarding MPs' carbon emissions. "Environmental issues are important to us all. My personal commitment was shaped in my early 20s when I honeymooned in Borneo and witnessed the devastating loss of primary rainforest. That experience has influenced many decisions in my life. At Pure SEO, we believe in healthy debate and the importance of asking questions—every step towards sustainability matters," Conway stated.

The report underscores the nature of MPs' roles as a significant factor in domestic travel emissions, though the lack of data on international travel indicates a gap in accountability efforts.

Aligning with global initiatives like the Carbon Neutral Government Programme, the report mirrors legislative calls for systematic emissions tracking, as exemplified by the Zero Carbon Amendment Act 2019.

Dr Christine Winter, Senior Lecturer at the University of Otago, highlighted the necessity of transparency in government, equating greenhouse gas (ghg) emissions accountability to financial expenditure. "As employees of 'the people,' parliamentarians should be accountable to us," she said, further noting that public visibility of MPs' ghg expenditure is crucial in verifying their commitment to emissions targets.

Simon Watts, Minister of Climate Change and Minister of Revenue, responded, emphasising the government's dedication to addressing climate change impacts and outlined plans to release a second Emissions Reduction Plan.

"We will soon release the second Emissions Reduction Plan, which will outline the actions needed to achieve the second emissions budget for 2026 to 2030 and set us firmly on the path to net zero," Watts stated. "This plan will drive meaningful change by addressing the key drivers of emissions. The carbon emissions of MPs are significantly smaller than actions proposed in the draft Emissions Reduction Plan. Emissions from domestic travel is also already covered under the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme," Watts added.

Dave Rouse, CEO of CarbonClick, expressed that the report should initiate constructive dialogue instead of serving as an exercise in blame.

"We [at CarbonClick] believe corporations should report their carbon emissions and take active, calculated steps to reduce them. Members of Parliament—the rule makers—should lead by example. We all have a responsibility to reduce emissions wherever we can; it's the most effective form of climate action. For those unavoidable emissions, our role is to ensure carbon offsetting remains a trusted and meaningful option in the toolbox. Transparency and accountability are essential for building a sustainable future," Rouse commented.