Climate change impacts on New Zealand

These are the likely impacts of climate change for New Zealand over the next century, based on expert reports and peer-reviewed scientific studies, published internationally and in New Zealand.

It is not an attempt to provide a comprehensive summary of all impacts for New Zealand but to provide an indication of potential impacts.

Key
	Natural areas Species distribution changes Changes to/loss of habitat Increased pressure from pests, animals and plants
	Coastal Sea level rise Increased storm surge Coastal inundation Increased coastal erosion
	Snowlines and glaciers Increased length and area of glaciers Rise in snowline Possible increase in snowfall Possible increase in avalanches
	Drier Less rainfall Decreased run-off to rivers Increased evaporation Increased drought for already drought-prone areas Increased irrigation demand
	Wetter Increased precipitation Increased intensity in weather events Increased flooding for already flood-prone areas Increased slips Increased soil erosion
	Ex-tropical cyclones[Tropical cyclones, in travelling to NZ, change their character becoming slightly less intense but causing damage over a much wider area.] Increased intensity -> increased wind, waves, storm surge and rainfall
	Urban Warmer winters -> less cold-related illnesses Warmer summers -> increased heat stress Decreased electricity use in winter (less heating) Increased electricity use in summer (more air-conditioning)
	Commercial forests Increased growth rates Increased geographic range Increased winds -> increased damage to forests Increased temperatures -> increased pests
	Wind Increased westerly winds

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