WELLINGTON, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand on Thursday announced its second international climate target under the Paris Agreement of reducing emissions by 51 to 55 percent by 2035, compared to 2005 levels.

The target must be achieved by the end of 2035 and builds on the initial target of a 50 percent reduction by 2030, a requirement under the Paris Agreement, the global climate treaty seeking to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, to set Nationally Determined Contributions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, said Climate Change Minister Simon Watts.

The minister said the target was "both ambitious and achievable," reinforcing New Zealand's commitment to the Paris Agreement and global climate action.

"Meeting this target will mean we are doing our fair share towards reducing the impact of climate change, while enabling New Zealand to be stronger and thrive in the face of a changing climate," Watts said.

New Zealand can focus its efforts on the actions that will make the biggest difference towards reaching the net zero 2050 target, with Thursday's new target bringing the country's international and domestic climate change commitments into line, he said.

New Zealand's climate strategy focuses on strengthening the Emissions Trading Scheme, supporting innovative technologies to reduce agricultural emissions, and accelerating the transition to a cleaner, electrified economy, which ensures climate targets are met with economic growth, Watts said, adding this requires greater innovation to advance low-emission technologies and industries are powered by abundant and affordable clean energy.

New Zealand is committed to achieving its first and second Nationally Determined Contributions to reduce the impact of climate change, Watts said. Enditem

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