Climate change impacts and actions

Background

Our aim was to gather further information to help us understand the impact of climate change on panellists and the community they live in, and what their expectations were for how we as the regional government should support climate action.

In March 2023, we asked Te Kōrari panellists to fill out a short survey to share their thoughts on what climate change impacts they and their families were experiencing now and thought they would experience in the future, their expectations of how Environment Canterbury should take action and support others to, and to understand where panellist hear and go to find out climate action related information.

Thanks for your input and feedback. Hearing your thoughts on this topic reinforced some themes we have been seeing appear in other research conducted by Environment Canterbury and will be used to help us coordinate further information and opportunities for communities to have their say on how Environment Canterbury undertakes climate action and action planning.

Summary of findings

86 of around 280 panellists completed the survey. Results showed that respondents saw the most impact from climate change now and in the future around weather and temperature, and food production, security and supply. A number also noted impacts in the future around coastal erosion, sea level rise, and flooding.

74 panellists stated they had expectations of Environment Canterbury in taking climate action. When themed, the feedback reflected that Environment Canterbury should:

• Continue to work to provide public transport that is more reliable, accessible and affordable including advocating for the infrastructure to support public transport, walking and cycling.

• Move to stricter farming conditions, conversion of dairy to other land uses and promote reduction in stock numbers.

• Use more risk or climate-based consenting and prevention of building close to the sea.

• Promote more tree planting and self-sustainability practices like growing food at home and using solar power.

• Petition and advocate central government and territorial authorities.

We shared the top actions that individuals and families can do to reduce their emissions and asked what support they needed to make those changes. Some panellists identified that they did not need additional support or were already doing them. Many stated that they could:

• Increase their use of public transport if it was more reliable and walking or cycling if there was more infrastructure to support it (statements included discussion on availability of rail).

• If there were more ways to be educated about how to take action, for example at workshops or through awareness raising campaigns.

• If there was more financial incentives or funding to enable action to be taken.

When asked about the channels they hear and see information about climate change and action, panellists shared that most often they see and hear information in newspapers, social media, electronic newsletters they had signed up for, on the radio, or via friends and family. The majority also stated they actively seek out information though trusted media sources, academic research or professionals, through government agencies or activist /interest groups.

Finally, we asked the panel to share what they felt the top three actions they would take if climate action in Canterbury was in their hands. When the answers were themed the most common were:

• Increase public transport quality, reliability and funding.

• Reverse and/ or reduce dairy expansion in the region and emissions.

• Restore river, lake and wetlands ecosystems and habitats.

• Incentivise and encourage more planting in urban and rural areas.

You can read the full report here

Not part of Te Kōrari?

Te Kōrari is an opportunity to share your views on a range of current topics and issues in Canterbury. It's an easy way to make a positive difference for the local environment, and ensure the voice of the community is being heard by your regional council.