Outlook in latest climate report for NZ a ‘grim’ read
Sea level rises of just centimetres could make some coastal communities intolerable, a Niwa scientist says.
Rob Bell sounded the warning while presenting a report withheld by the previous Government that shows New Zealand has no co-ordinated plan to address the impact of climate change.
Climate change minister James Shaw said it made ‘‘grim reading’’ and that New Zealand has ‘‘decades of urgent work’’ ahead to mitigate damage.
‘‘I don’t want to sugar-coat this; there are significant risks to property and infrastructure, the whole point [of the report] is to get ahead of those risks so we can anticipate and avoid those risks. Forewarned is forearmed’’.
Despite making sobering reading, Shaw said the report gives New Zealand a ‘‘head start’’ adapting to climate change compared to other countries.
It finds ‘‘limited evidence’’ of the country being proactive in adapting to the threat of climate change, with many sectors left to work on their own within a mismatched framework of policies and legislation.
Dunedin mayor Dave Cull, whose city was highlighted as being at risk of flooding, said Local Government New Zealand had called for central government to act for two or three years.
He said: ‘‘You need to take leadership on this. you need to give us direction.’’
Councils needed to know who was responsible, where funding would come from, what the risks were and how they could respond to them, Cull said.
Despite plentiful information on how the climate is changing, the report’s authors found ‘‘no evidence that climate change risks to New Zealand have been reduced by the actions taken by central government’’.
Shaw released a stocktake report from the Climate Change Adaptation Technical Advisory Group, which was set up last year to advise the Government on climate vulnerability.
He released long-delayed coastal hazards guidance for councils, outlining how local authorities should consider climate change in planning decisions.
Victoria University climate scientist Judy Lawrence said a sea rise of just a few centimetres could tip coastal communities into taking ‘‘adaptive’’ planning.
Shaw warned that, in coming decades, parts of the country may become ‘‘uninsurable’’ as climate change effects filter through to premiums.
The report shows New Zealand has significant information about climate change, but not all was accessible or useful for decision-making.
It found the Government had been reactive, not proactive, in adapting to climate change. The authors criticised an ‘‘absence of co-ordinated leadership’’.
Climate change will increase the frequency and intensity of extreme events such as flooding, drought and wildfires, which pose a threat to many communities, the report finds.
Under a mid-range projection for rises in sea levels – 30cm within 50 years – a one-in-100-year inundation event would on average happen every year in Wellington, every second year in Dunedin, and every fourth year in Auckland.
Other risks include new, more serious diseases, with potentially more frequent pandemics, the report says.
A final report by the group, containing recommendations on how to adapt to climate change, is expected in March.
Hay barn gutted by fire
A hay barn at Knapdale was gutted by fire on Thursday night. A fire communications spokesman said the fire on Whiterig Rd was reported by a tanker driver just after 11pm. When firefighters from Gore arrived, they found a 6-metre by 50m hay barn well ablaze. They called in extra support from Waikaka and Riversdale, the spokesman said. The fire was not suspicious, he said.
Earnslaw a significant heritage site
Queenstown’s 105-year-old steamship TSS Earnslaw has been recognised as one of 12 significant Otago landmark heritage sites. The heritage sites were nominated by council organisations throughout the region for their special significance to New Zealand, high level of presentation, experience they offer and storytelling potential. Real Journeys chief executive Richard Lauder was pleased the oldest coal-fired passengercarrying steamship in the southern hemisphere had been included.
Tourism infrastructure gets $450k
The Government is investing $456,000 in two tourism infrastructure projects to support Southland’s growing visitor industry, Tourism Minister Kelvin Davis has announced. Of the money invested, $235,200 will be for the construction of a land disposal system for wastewater at Knobs Flat and $220,565 is for the provision of freedom camping facilities in the Lumsden town centre. Nationwide, more than $14.2 million has been awarded to various local councils for 20 visitor-related infrastructure projects and four feasibility studies.
Queenstown Airport opens centre
Queenstown Airport has opened a dedicated operations facility and emergency centre, marking a new era in the organisation’s growth. It has been designed to accommodate the airport’s continued growth and is an adaptable, sustainable and affordable building solution in line with the companys guiding principles. General manager operations and safety Mike CLay said: ‘‘As Queenstown Airport continues to grow, the airport operations team has adapted and expanded to accommodate growth within the current foorprint.’’
Police ask for community vigilance
Southern District police are asking everyone to be vigilant about home security and to report any suspicious activity. A police spokesman said thieves were likely to take advantage of empty homes during the holidays. ‘‘It only takes one phone call and we encourage the public to help by sharing any information they might have, no matter how trivial it may seem, as it may help us in preventing a crime.’’
Temporary alcohol ban
A temporary alcohol ban will be in place in parts of Racecourse Rd and Yarrow St between 10am and 8pm, during the Ascot Park Christmas at the Races event today. Both sides of the road wil be affected, from St Andrews St to the Ascot Park Hotel.