22 November 2016

ORC director appointed to climate change panel

Otago Regional Council director of engineering, hazards, and science Dr Gavin Palmer has been appointed to a 10-member panel of experts who will advise the Government on how New Zealand can be better prepared for climate change.

The group will provide advice to Climate Change Issues Minister Paula Bennett on options for building New Zealand’s resilience to the effects of climate change while sustainably growing the economy

Dr Palmer has been in his current role since 2013, but has been with ORC since 2004.

He leads ORC’s work on considering how best to minimise the risk of natural hazards in the Otago region (such as flood hazards in South Dunedin). This work includes consideration of the effects of climate change on natural hazards.

He has 25 years experience in the areas of flood protection, land drainage, stormwater management and natural hazards.

Group members have been appointed for a term of 18 months. They will engage with the public and interested groups throughout their term.

Adaptation expert Dr Judy Lawrence will co-chair the group alongside Penny Nelson, the Ministry for the Environment’s Deputy Secretary, Sector Strategy.

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