LWAG are hosing TDC Snr. Advisor Aidan Smith, Climate Change at our August 18 meeting; 5.15 pm , Acapulco Motel Conference Rm, 19 Rifle Range Rd.
Local government is on the front line of climate change
Councils have statutory responsibilities to avoid or mitigate natural hazards and to have regard to the effects of climate change when making certain decisions. They are also responsible for civil defence and emergency management, as well as improving community resilience through public education and local planning.
Around the country, many councils are already working with communities and iwi/Māori to address the climate change impacts. Some are developing adaptation plans and long-term adaptive pathways to proactively manage future risk. However, climate preparedness varies from region to region.
Councils will need to have regard to the national adaptation plan in their plan making process from November 2022.
Managing risk now and for the future
In 2020, the National Climate Change Risk Assessment set out 43 risks New Zealanders face from the impacts of climate change up to 2026.
These include risks to people’s health and property, risks to our infrastructure like roads or water supplies, and risks to our natural environments.
This national adaptation plan is the first in a series. It will be updated every six years to respond to changing climate risks.
TAUPO CLIMATE CHANGE FORUM – new local initiative
Following a discussion at the end of LWAG’s July 2022 AGM,
Jane Penton has been independently networking the idea of a Taupo Climate Change Forum for individuals and organisations to share resources, activities and actions, including during the forthcoming local body elections.
Please contact Jane on janehadiadup@hotmail.com if you would like to be involved