New Zealand passes law aimed at combating climate change

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — New Zealand lawmakers have joined forces across aisle to pass a bill aimed at combating climate change.

Zero Carbon bill aims to make New Zealand reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to point country becomes mostly carbon neutral by 2050. It gives some leeway to farmers, who bring in much of country’s foreign income.

bill was spearheed by liberal government but in end was supported by main conservative opposition party, which neverless promised changes if it wins next election.

bill would require all greenhouse gases except methane from animals to be reduced to net zero by 2050. Methane emissions would be reduced by 10% by 2030 and by between about one-quarter and one-half by 2050.