Climate change is an increasing concern globally. Scientists have measured increasing atmospheric and sea temperatures around the world, and have linked this rise in temperatures to our burning of fossil fuels and the consequent release of more and more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
Greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide are emitted into the atmosphere by natural processes such as plant respiration and decay, but are being added to by the burning of fossil fuels for transport or electricity generation, and from agriculture including farm animals, soil and fertiliser. These gases become trapped in the atmosphere and enhance the natural greenhouse effect that sustains life on Earth. This process is called global warming and is closely associated with the idea of climate change.
The findings contained in the recent reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change - the Fourth Assessment Report (AR4) - underline a growing international consensus that indicates human activity via greenhouse gas emissions as being a significant component of global climate change.
Climate change is associated with other events in addition to ‘warming’: floods, storms, cyclones, droughts and landslips – not just temperature increase alone. New Zealand, and Canterbury, needs to be prepared for a future of changing climates. As well as mitigating the problems (i.e. reducing greenhouse gas emissions), there is a need to adapt to the effects of climate change.
Environment Canterbury’s Climate Change Report sets out the climate change projections for Canterbury, and discusses how the changed climate might impact on Canterbury, including our coasts, water, plants and animals, our communities, and the local economy. This report is an analysis of the policy considerations for climate change for the Review of the Canterbury Regional Policy Statement.
Environment Canterbury is also active in developing its capabilities at a more practical level in regard to the challenges posed by climate change. This includes being a member of the Communities for Climate Protection programme, a government initiative delivered by ICLEI-A/NZ. This programme is part of ICLEI's International Cities for Climate Protection campaign.
Our Milestone 1 report is available here (pdf 108 kB)
Resources
Local Government
ICLEI’s Communities for Climate Protection – New Zealand programme
Central Government
Education
Other
