Yes, he would change the atmosphere for the children of Krypton but the sun would still be yellow and they would still gain their powers. Unless Zod has a machine to turn the sun red there would be no way to avoid every kryptonian not having powers.

Zod could have easily taken Superman down if everyone under his command gained the powers they receive while under a yellow sun.

Interesting come back gansta,

However if the Kryoptonians have the necessary tech know how on Terra-forming a planet and 're-calibrating' its atmospheric composition amd gravity to be inline with their home planet, then they could surely alter Earth's atmospherics in order allow 'red' radiation only from a yellow sun.

Even if they couldn't do that,I'd say that Kryptonians being super powered would be a bonus in Zods book when all the dust settled since he could possibly launch conquering expeditions in other solar systems and fend off any attacks on his new planet, he would see it as the next step of evolution his people would rightly deserve, under his rule of course.

OT:

Lois being on the ship was detrimental to the story's progression as Sups and Earth would need a good card late in the game.

Zod needed the Codex. He knew Sups had it or at the very least could tell him where his space pot and or ancient ship (the one in ice)where in order to find it since he believed that the codex was still in material form.

He wanted Lois on board (in close proximity)as leverage in case Sups wouldn't give up the Codex.