Government Brings Certainty to Climate Change Tort Law

The New Zealand Government has announced plans to amend the Climate Change Response Act 2002 to prevent findings of liability for tort in cases of climate change damage caused by greenhouse gas emissions. This legislative move aims to provide businesses with legal clarity and certainty, addressing concerns arising from ongoing litigation that has created uncertainty in business confidence and investment. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith emphasized that the amendment seeks to align legal frameworks with the government's established climate change response strategies, ensuring a consistent approach to addressing climate-related issues.