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Science and integrity

A background into the science behind our projections and our approach to advertising.

Canterbury greenhouse gas emissions inventory

In May of 2023, Environment Canterbury released the Annual Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Canterbury, 2018 and 2021 report.

While high-level greenhouse gas (GHG) estimates are produced by Statistics NZ each year, this is the first GHG inventory prepared specifically for our region and provides a much more accurate picture of emissions in Waitaha/Canterbury.

The report found that the overall gross GHG emissions in the region were 13,006 kilotonnes carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) per year in 2018, and 13,176 kilotonnes CO2e per year in 2021. Regional per capita emissions were 20.9 tonnes per person in 2018, and 20.3 tonnes per person in 2021.

An increase in overall gross emissions is always a cause for concern, however the 3% decrease per capita shows that our reduction efforts are having an effect.

The report identifies five sectors where Waitaha/Canterbury's gross emissions come from:

  1. Agriculture, forestry and other land use (AFOLU) - 61% (2021)
  2. Transport - 18% (2021)
  3. Stationary energy - 17% (2021)
  4. Waste - 3% (2021)
  5. Industrial production and product use (IPPU) - 2% (2021)
    Emissions breakdown for Canterbury

    For the full story, including emissions by sector for each district in the region, download the full report.

    Further sources

    The sources for this website include:

    *This work uses material sourced from the Ministry for the Environment, Stats NZ, and data providers, which is licensed by the Ministry for the Environment and Stats NZ for re-use under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International licence.

    How reliable is this information?

    Climate change is, by its very nature, an evolving science. As scientists research and learn more, the modelling is updated. Here, we are reporting the latest information we have about the levels of risk Waitaha/Canterbury will face, based on information from our own scientists and from other leading New Zealand agencies.

    We believe it is reasonable, but it's important to understand that this is all based on scientific modelling and research. If things change we will update our website and, if you've signed up to keep in touch, we'll let you know.

    Our climate-friendly approach to advertising

    The advertising campaign for It's time, Canterbury has been consciously developed with sustainable practices in mind. Where possible, we have utilised carbon neutral and/or environmentally friendly options. This includes using digital billboards instead of printed, and poster placements that have been produced using recycled materials printed with vegetable-based inks.

    Want to know more?

    Want to know more about climate change in Waitaha/Canterbury? You can sign up to our quarterly email or read previous issues here. Alternatively, if you'd like to get in touch with our team directly, you can email us.