Mayors urge climate change action

A group of 39 mayors from across the country are calling for central government to take more action on climate change.

The mayors - half of the country’s roster of 78 - made a declaration on climate change at the Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) conference last night.

They called for central govern- ment to develop an ambitious plan to transition New Zealand into a low-carbon economy, ready to take on the dangers that climate change may present, such as rising sea levels and more intense storms.

The mayors include Nelson’s Rachel Reese, Auckland’s Phil Goff, Wellington’s Justin Lester, Christchurch’s Lianne Dalziel, Dunedin’s Dave Cull, New Plymouth’s Neil Holdom, and a number of regional leaders.

Tasman District Mayor Richard Kempthorne could not be reached for comment.

With or without central government help, the group plans to take ambitious action themselves.

‘‘There is clear and compelling evidence for the need to act now on climate change and to adopt a precautionary approach because of the irreversible nature and scale of risks involved,’’ the group said.

‘‘Broad-based climate policies should enable all organisations and individuals to do all they feasibly can to reduce emissions and enhance resilience.’’

Climate change minister Paula Bennett said then it was a matter for councils to decide which areas of land could be built on.

New Zealand is a signatory of the Paris Climate Agreement, and has agreed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030.