Regional greenhouse gas emissions statistics released

Auckland, which contributes the most of any region to national economic activity, was the third-highest emitter of greenhouse gases in 2018, and Wellington, the region with the second-highest economic activity, was the ninth highest emitter, Stats NZ said.“This demonstrates that regions with higher levels of economic activity don’t always have higher emissions,” environmental-economic accounts manager Stephen Oakley said.Canterbury had the third-highest level of economic activity in 2018 and the second-highest emissions, while Waikato had the fourth-highest level of activity and the highest level of emissions.“The new data allows regions to better understand the emissions intensity of their economies. It will also be of interest as regions look to reduce their emissions while managing economic outcomes, thereby transitioning to a lower-emissions economy,” Mr Oakley said.