New Zealand’s budget introduces new funding to tackle climate change, as the Government targets zero non-agricultural carbon emissions by 2050.

It also aims to help farmers manage the climate challenge by injecting $NZ80 million ($75.3 million) operating funding and $NZ15 million ($14.12 million) capital funding into science and research, seeking ways to reduce emissions in the agriculture and energy sectors.

The budget, released last Thursday, includes a $NZ229.2 million ($215.74 million) “productive and sustainable land use package” to help farmers and councils improve their practices and protect and restore at-risk waterways and wetlands.

About $NZ8.5 million ($8 million) is allocated to reduce agricultural emissions, $NZ27 million ($25.41 million) to set up a National New Energy Development Centre in Taranaki, $NZ20 million ($18.83 million) over four years for research into solar power, superconductors, nanotechnologies and inductive power, and $NZ49 million ($46.12 million) to help transform the forestry sector.

More than $NZ1 billion ($941.26 million) will be invested in the rail network, to enable climate-friendlier choices for freight and commuter transport.

A rebuild of the Dunedin Hospital, which does not comply with earthquake standards, is also included.

“The risks to New Zealand from climate change cannot be underestimated,” the budget states.

“More frequent and intense weather events will affect the country’s agricultural and horticultural sectors, with flow-on implications for exports and the economy as a whole.”

The Insurance Council of New Zealand backed the Government’s Climate Change Response (Zero Carbon) Amendment Bill last month, saying failure to adapt will cost the nation.

It warned extreme rainfall and wind on the South Island earlier this year – prompting a state of emergency – was likely influenced by climate change.