New Zealand carbon profile

New Zealand emits roughly 33 Mt of CO₂ per year — about 0.09% of global emissions, ranking #69 worldwide. At 6.4 tonnes per person (#35 per capita), its footprint is above the global average of ~4.7 t.

Emissions have edged down over the past five years (-5%) and edged down over the decade (-3%). The sustained downward trajectory suggests structural decarbonization rather than a one-off dip.

Renewables supply about 87% of electricity. The power sector is largely decarbonized, so remaining emissions come mostly from transport, industry and heating.

Emissions are likely to stay near current levels through 2030 absent major policy change. Maintaining clean growth while industrializing is the key challenge.