Climate

A study of marine sponges has found global temperatures may have already hit an ominous milestone.

About 40 percent of NZX companies are disclosing climate-related risks in their financial statements, which is just better than the global rate of three out of 10 companies.

The biggest drivers affecting land use in Aotearoa in the next decade have been ranked by 280 leaders from agri-business, government and Māori business.

Repealing the ban on oil and gas exploration may not succeed at extending the future of oil and gas in New Zealand, a briefing to Energy Minister Simeon Brown says.

Aotearoa is not on track to meet its emissions targets, incoming minister Simon Watts has been told.

Scientists involved in an ambitious attempt to drill deep into the rock and mud below the West Antarctic Ice Sheet say their efforts got "tantalisingly close".

Increasingly warmer seas could see new types of marine mammals beaching on New Zealand's shores, experts say.

Heavy rain is pounding much of the North Island, with thousands reportedly forced to evacuate a Simple Minds concert in Hamilton early.

The 20-deck Icon of Seas voyage comes amid concerns about the vessel's methane emissions.

"Pacific nations continue to demonstrate global leadership from the frontlines of the climate and biodiversity crisis, the environmental organisation says.

A year on, much of the city is back to normal, but there are still those struggling in the wake of the floods, still unable to return to their homes.

The weather monitoring agency says the feature is partially a response to the widespread confusion during last year's floods in Auckland. Audio

It comes as two reports suggest gas prices will jump significantly in the next decade.

Transport Minister Simeon Brown says the Clean Car Discount was never self-financing, and rescuing the subsidy scheme would have cost more than it generated in benefits.

Canterbury researchers hope models they are building will help firefighters get ahead of severe blazes.