What specific legal change is the New Zealand government proposing regarding climate-related lawsuits against polluters?

The New Zealand government plans to amend the Climate Change Response Act to prevent courts from finding greenhouse gas emitters liable in tort for climate change damage or harm caused by their emissions, applying to both current and future proceedings.

Why does the government say it is introducing this law change?

The government says the ongoing climate litigation—specifically Mike Smith’s case against companies including Fonterra, Genesis Energy, Z Energy, and New Zealand Steel—is creating business uncertainty and deterring investment, and that courts are not the appropriate forum to resolve climate harm claims because tort law is ill-suited to address the complex environmental, economic, and social factors involved in climate change.

New Zealand Plans Law Change to Block Action Against Polluters

May 11, 2026

New Zealand plans to amend its Climate Change Response Act to shield greenhouse gas emitters from private legal action, citing business uncertainty from litigation against major firms like Fonterra and Z Energy. The government argues courts are unsuited for such claims.

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