New Zealand should respond to climate change by working with nature rather than against it, says Forest & Bird, after decades of poor decisions for nature have compounded risks.

Today’s National Climate Change Risk Assessment from the Climate Change Commission shows climate change is hitting Aotearoa harder, faster, and in more places at once.

“The Risk Assessment has shown that if we want to protect our native species and unique natural spaces, politicians must take urgent, bold, and achievable action on climate-changing emissions,” says Scott Burnett, climate spokesperson for Forest & Bird.

“Climate change from burning fossil fuels and methane from livestock are adding to frequent and severe floods, storms, and droughts. These risks are compounding because decades of poor land use, wetland destruction, and weak environmental protections have stripped away the natural defences that would have softened the blow,” says Mr Burnett.

A warming world is like a pressure cooker on our native species: worsening freshwater quality, eroding our dunes, and putting our forests at risk. Politicians at all levels of government can take action, now, to reduce the pressure and protect habitats.

“Continued use of fossil fuels is directly at odds with thriving wildlife and safe communities. We can choose a different path.”

Some of the most significant climate-related risks from the Assessment include water infrastructure, ecosystems and biodiversity, forestry, and social and community wellbeing.

“These are all things nature-based solutions can contribute to improving,” says Mr Burnett.

“We want politicians and leaders to move away from fossil fuels and invest in nature to protect the species, people, and places we treasure.

“Already, communities, iwi, and councils are showing what works: nature-based solutions and distributed renewable energy. Wetlands provide safe habitat for species while local residents are protected downstream. Rooftop solar with batteries prevents climate-changing pollution while keeping the lights on in a power outage.

“Working with nature rather than against nature is a path forward that can achieve wins for biodiversity, resilience, and affordability,” says Mr Burnett.

Forest & Bird believes the choice in front of communities and government is clear: enjoy the benefits of cutting pollution and restoring nature, or suffer from high fuel prices and stronger storms.

“Everyone in Aotearoa benefits when we tackle climate change with nature – from the whio blue duck in our rivers to the families in Tairāwhiti recovering from natural disasters,” Mr Burnett says.

In each risk outlined by the Climate Change Commission today lies an opportunity: for cheaper energy, thriving wildlife, resilient communities, and a more beautiful New Zealand.

“Every wetland restored to full health, solar panel added onto a marae, and hillside planted in native forest is another defence we can depend on in a warming world,” says Mr Burnett.

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