New Zealand blocks lawsuits against firms over climate harm

illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day, reviewed by our editorial team. Read the full piece on France 24 or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: New Zealand’s parliament has passed legislation preventing climate-related lawsuits that seek to hold companies responsible for environmental harm, effectively ending a case brought against six major firms

🔭 The context: The law was introduced after Māori climate activist Michael Smith sued companies including dairy giant Fonterra over their contribution to climate change
• The government argued that climate policy should be decided nationally rather than through courts, saying litigation could create uncertainty for businesses and investors
• The legislation passed by 67 votes to 53, with Smith calling it a “dark day for democracy”

🌍 Why it matters: The decision highlights a growing global debate over whether courts should play a role in forcing companies to address climate harms
• The move comes as New Zealand faces warnings that current policies may not deliver its emissions targets, according to the country’s Climate Change Commission

⏭️ What’s next: New Zealand’s government will face continued pressure over its climate strategy as emissions progress slows and environmental groups challenge its approach. The ruling could also influence similar debates over corporate climate liability worldwide

📈 One stat: New Zealand’s Climate Change Commission warned that emissions reductions stalled in 2024 and that current policies are not cutting emissions fast enough

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