Climate: 8 in 10 concerned

New poll finds few believe Govt action will be enough to stem the tide

More Kiwis are worried about facing a warmer, wilder future — yet just a third think the Government will be able to lessen the impact climate change will have on our homes and communities.

A new poll, out yesterday, also suggests the same minority believe the country will be able to meet the emissions reductions targets it’s set for itself.

The poll of more than 1000 people, carried out by Ipsos over a week last month, was the second annual survey commissioned by insurer IAG New Zealand.

It found the number of Kiwis who felt the issue was important to them personally had now grown to 79 per cent, from 72 per cent last year.

Sixty-nine per cent said they have become more concerned about climate change over the past few years — up from 60 per cent.

When asked about the potential effects of climate change, 86 per cent expected more frequent and extreme storms and 85 per cent expect the inundation of coastal locations due to sea-level rise.

Just over three-quarters thought some people might have to move from where they live, and around the same number felt land use would need to be reconsidered.

Despite moves to bring in a landmark Zero Carbon Bill that would shape climate policy for decades to come, there appeared to be little faith in the Government’s response to date.

When asked how they would rate

action on climate change to date, only 41 per cent thought New Zealand’s approach to climate change was on the right track.

They were divided on the Government’s performance — 35 per cent good, versus 28 per cent poor — and only 33 per cent were confident New Zealand would be able to reduce its emissions to reach its current targets.

Nearly 80 per cent wanted the Government to offer guidelines to councils on what they should do, and 71 per cent thought it should amend laws to empower councils to take action. “This research indicates clearly that climate change is a growing concern for Kiwis, but people are worried that we will not be able to reduce its impacts,” IAG chief executive Craig Olsen said.

Climate Change Minister James Shaw told the Herald he wasn’t surprised more people were concerned.

Shaw said the Government “absolutely understands” it had an important role to play, and had been working closely with local government.

“The work of a National Climate Change Risk Assessment panel, which is happening now, will be essential in that process and we intend to have a better picture next year that can help us develop a national adaptation plan,” he said.

More than two-thirds of the respondents said they were prepared to act themselves to reduce the impacts of climate change. But only about half knew what they needed to do — and less than that felt their actions would be effective.

James Young-Drew, of youth-led climate action group Generation Zero, said it was no surprise most Kiwis were increasingly concerned and willing to take action.

Victoria University climate scientist Professor James Renwick echoed that sentiment.

“Most people want action from central and local government, but are less certain about what they can do personally. There is a need to help empower people to feel engaged with the issue.”