The price of backsliding on climate deals
Summary
A Dutch environmental group has lodged a formal complaint with the European Commission, alleging that New Zealand breached its free trade agreement by backsliding on climate commitments. The episode examines the government’s denial of the breach and its accusations of political collusion with the Green Party, who are facing scrutiny over their prior knowledge of the complaint. Host Amanda Gillies and journalist Jonathan Milne analyze the potential economic risks to New Zealand’s $1.8 billion in trade benefits and the deep ideological divide between climate activists and the coalition govern…
Topics discussed
Introduction: NZ accused of breaking EU climate promises
The Detail intro and Greens' involvement controversy
Interview: Chloe Swarbrick on EU complaint timing
Jonathan Milne joins to break down the story
Explaining the complaint and the 'no backsliding' clause
List of alleged climate policy backslidings
How the EU single entry point complaints process works
Government response and Trade Minister's denial
Analysis of Greens' links to the complaint and Greenpeace
Scott Willis' comments at Red Meat Conference
Global reaction and the 'domino effect' concern
Potential trade impacts and $1.8bn at stake
David Seymour's refusal to meet climate groups
Shane Jones' 'traitor' rhetoric and political divide
Discussion on echo chambers and lack of middle ground
Predicting the outcome: consultation and recommitment
Broader issues: Fonterra case and constitutional principles
Closing credits and acknowledgments
Sponsor: SoCal Pumpkins annual pumpkin patch
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