Forest & Bird is applauding Beef and Lamb NZ for its new commitment to a carbon neutral industry by 2050.
The goal of carbon neutrality is a part of a long-term environmental strategy announced today, which covers climate change, freshwater, biodiversity and soil health.
"We're really impressed by the sheep and beef sector stepping up and saying it will act on climate change," says Forest & Bird Climate Advocate Adelia Hallett.
"Lowering our emissions as a country is essential to keep climate change to a minimum. It's great to see Beef and Lamb NZ rise to the challenge of limiting warming to no more than 1.5 degrees."
Nearly half of New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions come from agriculture.
"For years, we’ve been making exceptions for the agricultural sector and treating it as if it can't change when it comes to emissions. That attitude can’t go on if we are to have a climate in which people and nature can thrive," says Ms Hallett.
"Beef and Lamb NZ is proving it is possible for the agriculture sector to make meaningful reductions in emissions. We challenge other agricultural sectors to follow their lead."