New Zealand’s parliament on Thursday passed legislation ending a ban on offshore oil and gas exploration, reversing a flagship policy of former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s government.
The move will allow companies to apply for petroleum exploration permits outside the onshore Taranaki region from September, opening the door to renewed investment in the country’s fossil fuel sector.
Environmental groups criticised the decision, calling it a blow to New Zealand’s renewable energy ambitions.
“This government keeps choosing to undermine our resilience rather than transition to clean, green energy,” said Green Party Climate spokesperson Chloe Swarbrick.
In 2018, Ardern’s centre-left Labour government halted the granting of new offshore oil and gas permits as part of efforts to combat climate change and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Since taking office in late 2023, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s conservative administration has moved to unwind a series of Labour-era climate policies, including scrapping rebates for electric vehicles and fast-tracking mining approvals.
Resources Minister Shane Jones said the previous government’s ban had deterred investment and worsened domestic energy shortages.
“This government is pragmatic about the vital role natural gas will play in our energy mix in the decades ahead, and we have set a course for greater energy security backed by our own indigenous reserves,” Jones said.
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Iran has launched missiles and drones targeting U.S. military sites in Bahrain and Kuwait, according to Iranian state media and a U.S. official, in retaliation for recent U.S. strikes on Iran.
France has recorded 1,000 excess deaths during the severe heatwave that swept across Europe, according to the country's public health agency, which warned the final toll is likely to rise.
Lebanon says Israeli air strikes and ground operations have damaged or destroyed historic landmarks across the country's south, raising fears that parts of its cultural heritage have been lost forever.
The World Cup knockout stage is finally ready to begin after 72 group matches trimmed the expanded 48-team field down to 32.
France said on Saturday it was considering taking reciprocal measures after Burkina Faso broke off diplomatic relations.
Japan remained on high alert Saturday as Typhoon Mekkhala approached the eastern coast after Typhoon Higos weakened into a tropical depression. Authorities warned of continued heavy rain, flooding, and landslides, according to media reports.
A tanker reported being struck by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, Britain's maritime security agency said, after the United States and Iran each launched strikes in the worst escalation since they signed their interim peace deal.
Germany and Poland are bracing for sweltering conditions as a deadly heatwave that has gripped Western Europe moves east, with temperatures expected to approach 40°C over the weekend.
Iran had a stoppage-time goal disallowed as they drew 1-1 with Egypt in their final Group G match at Seattle Stadium on Friday.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said the country is going through a “difficult period”, but has learned much from it, according to state news agency TASS.
Pope Leo has expressed solidarity with people in Venezuela after twin earthquakes struck the country earlier this week, causing widespread damage and leaving communities in urgent need of assistance.
Eleven people were killed when a small plane carrying skydivers crashed near Nancy in eastern France on Sunday, local officials said.
France has recorded 1,000 excess deaths during the severe heatwave that swept across Europe, according to the country's public health agency, which warned the final toll is likely to rise.
Lionel Messi made World Cup history as Argentina finished top of Group J, while Austria and Algeria both reached the Round of 32 after a dramatic draw that ended Iran's hopes of progressing.
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