Key points raised at the Talk Environment Roadshow 2007 – adapting to the impacts of climate change
Adapting to the impacts of climate change continues to be a popular topic on the Talk Environment Roadshow. The attendees provided the Ministry with many suggestions to work on in the coming year. The key issues and actions raised are listed below. In response to your feedback we have listed relevant links were you can find more information at the bottom of this page.
More information and education
- There is a need for information on the expected physical impacts of climate change at a local level.
- Information needs to be clear, unbiased, simple and timely. Many attendees expressed an interest in workshops and one on one interaction as opposed to just internet resources. Several attendees felt there was confusion in the community about what ‘carbon’ actually is.
- Attendees also wished to receive more information about measures to mitigate climate change such as the Emissions Trading Scheme.
- The Ministry should use a multi-pronged approach to educating communities about adapting to climate change.
- Workshops in regional areas were also suggested as another way to provide information and share ideas. Many attendees thought tools such as video or phone conferencing should be used for meetings to reduce emissions.
- Enviroschools and education programmes were suggested as solutions to educating young people about climate change.
Regulation and guidance on sea level rise
- Many attendees suggested a National Environmental Standard, coastal policy statement or clear guidelines to define coastal hazard zones is needed.
- Attendees called for greater funding for research into the regional effects of climate change. Research on issues such as drought tolerant grass species or guidelines on what to grow in different regions as the weather and temperature changes was also suggested.
- Feedback called on government to sort out contradictions between policy direction, and for government agencies to work together.
Examples and case studies
- Attendees asked for examples of how to incorporate climate change adaptation into decision making.
- Attendees wanted a clear measurement that all adaptation measures in existing and new infrastructure should be taken to. The Ministry should promote best practice examples.
- Adapting to the impacts of climate change and mitigating its effects are both key components of urban design and sustainability.
Urban design and climate change
- A common subject around New Zealand was urban development in flood risk plains or in coastal areas. Comments suggested the impacts of climate change should be carefully considered in urban planning.
- Increased infrastructure for alternative types of transport was also a hot discussion topic. Many attendees suggested that more should be done to encourage cycling, such as making cycling lanes.
- Some attendees suggested that there should be incentives for personal adaption measures, such as home water tanks, solar PVC cells or small scale wind turbines.
For more information on adapting to climate change visit:
- Adapting to climate change webpages
- Climate change mitigation on the climate change website
- Local Government New Zealand – adapting to climate change workshops
- Emissions Trading Scheme on the climate change website
See Ministry for the Environment publications:
- Climate Change Effects and Impacts Assessment: A guidance manual for Local Government in New Zealand
- Preparing for and adapting to climate change. Look ahead to the future
Last updated: 13 March 2008
