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Responding to climate change
Despite measures we take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions now, the levels of carbon dioxide already in the atmosphere are expected to continue to affect and change the climate over our and our children’s lifetimes.
This means that as well as working to reduce emissions, we need to prepare for climate change and adapt to its impacts. It is important that both kinds of actions are taken. The risks of inaction will be far more costly to us than the cost of any action.
Without reducing our emissions, greenhouse gases in the atmosphere will continue to rise meaning the rate and extent of climate change is likely to be worse. And without proper planning, we will be more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
Preparing for and adapting to climate change will minimise the risks to New Zealand as well as maximise any opportunities arising from a changing climate.
The importance of action
While New Zealand’s contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions is relatively small, our climate is affected by the emissions that the rest of the world produces. We therefore have a role to play in the worldwide effort to address climate change.
The government is committed to its international obligations to reduce emissions, and to continuing to influence the shape of international action on climate change for New Zealand’s benefit. We also need to show we are taking responsibility for addressing climate change if we expect others to.
Ninety percent of New Zealand’s population lies within 50km of our coast making us more vulnerable to climate change. Our coastal areas, roads, cities, towns, waterways and farms are all likely to be affected. We need to take action so we can be more resilient in our current climate and less susceptible to the future climate.
If we start preparing and adapting now we will reduce the associated risks brought about by a changing climate, and our communities will have greater resilience to climate impacts and extremes.
Forward planning is more effective and less costly than reacting to crises when they occur. It is like taking out an insurance policy for our future.
Climate change isn’t just about the world getting warmer; it’s likely to cause more extreme weather events.
