Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Gordon Campbell | Parliament TV | Parliament Today | News Video | Crime | Employers | Housing | Immigration | Legal | Local Govt. | Maori | Welfare | Unions | Youth | Search

 

Government Must Heed Report on Adapting to Climate Change

Government Must Heed New Report on Adapting to Climate Change

Forest & Bird calls on the new government – which has staked its reputation on dealing with climate change – to recognise the critical role our natural world plays not only in our economy, but also in protecting us against the worst impacts of climate change.

Climate Change Minister James Shaw today released a report prepared by an advisory panel of experts, on New Zealand’s adaptation to climate change.

“Forest & Bird commends the new Minister for releasing this report, which the previous government commissioned, but then withheld,” says Forest & Bird Climate Advocate Adelia Hallett.

“The expert panel is saying we need to take action now to prevent the worst impacts of climate change.”

“The report identifies that there has been a lack of central government leadership on climate change adaptation, which has left agencies and local government responding reactively, and in a piecemeal way.”

“We welcome the recommendation of a nationwide assessment of climate-related risks, to help develop an aligned approach across all sectors.”

“For years, Forest & Bird has been highlighting the impacts of climate change on our native species and their habitats, and that protecting and restoring ecosystems can provide a buffer from extreme weather events,” says Ms Hallett.

“It’s great to have this recognised by the expert panel.”

Ms Hallett says our wildlife is already being impacted by the warming climate – from more frequent mast years that produce additional food for predators, to diseases like kauri dieback and myrtle rust increasing their range.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

“Species already in trouble could be pushed over the edge. Shorebirds like rare fairy terns will lose habitat to rising sea levels.”

However, a well-functioning natural environment can protect us from extreme weather events, says Ms Hallett.

“Healthy forests, free from possums and other introduced pests, lock up carbon. Healthy rivers with forest margins deliver water to downstream towns in times of drought, and moderate floods during heavy rainfall.“

“Healthy dune systems, estuaries and mangrove forests protect coastal settlements and infrastructure against storm surges, coastal erosion and rising sea levels.”

“The Government must show leadership reducing emissions, and protecting the natural systems that will protect all of us.”


ENDS


© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines



Gordon Campbell: On Dune 2, And Images Of Islam


Depictions of Islam in Western popular culture have rarely been positive, even before 9/11. Five years on from the mosque shootings, this is one of the cultural headwinds that the Muslim community has to battle against. Whatever messages of tolerance and inclusion are offered in daylight, much of our culture tends to be hostile to Islam when we’re sitting in the dark, with popcorn.
Any number of movie examples come to mind, beginning with Rudolf Valentino’s role (over a century ago) as the romantic Arab hero in The Sheik...
More


 
 


Government: One-stop Shop Major Projects On The Fast Track

The Coalition Government’s new one-stop-shop fast track consenting regime for regional and national projects of significance will cut red tape and make it easier for New Zealand to build the infrastructure and major projects needed to get the country moving again... More

ALSO:


Government: GPS 2024: Over $20 Billion To Get Transport Back On Track
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has released the draft Government Policy Statement (GPS) on Land Transport, outlining the Coalition Government’s plan to build and maintain a transport system that enables people to get to where they need to go quickly and safely... More

ALSO:

Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.