New Zealand named Fossil of the Day on opening day of COP31
New Zealand has received a 'Fossil of the Day' award on the opening day of the COP31 climate conference, which is being held in Antalya, Türkiye. The award is given by Climate Action Network International to countries it sees as backsliding on or blocking progress at the UN climate negotiations. The announcement was published on 9 November 2026.
It is the fifth time in six years that New Zealand has received one of the awards. Earlier awards went to New Zealand in 2021, 2022 and 2023. Last year, at COP30, the award was for the government's decision to weaken the country's methane emissions target.
The group cited three reasons for this year's award. These were New Zealand's shortfall against its pledge under the international climate agreement known as the Paris Agreement, a complaint by a Dutch non-governmental organisation about climate promises in a European Union free trade agreement, and the government's decision to block legal action against climate polluters.
The award was accepted on New Zealand's behalf by Bianca Ranson, the New Zealand representative of Climate Action Network International. RNZ reported the award.
In the same announcement, Brazil was named 'Ray of the Day', the group's counterpart award for a country it sees as making progress. COP31 runs from 9 to 20 November 2026.
