Climate action

Issue

Our climate is changing, but together we have the power to make a difference in how we respond and adapt to the risks and opportunities we face, to build a better future for Canterbury.

Causes

Climate change is caused by greenhouse gas emissions from human activities including the burning of fossil fuels in transport and energy production, and other activities like agriculture and waste, causing rising temperatures, extreme weather events, sea level rise, and other impacts.

Why it matters

Climate change matters because it poses significant threats to our communities, ecosystems, economy, wellbeing and future way of life.

Climate change is already affecting our region, but we have the power to make a difference. Climate change provides us with huge opportunities to do things better and make positive changes in our region. We are well placed in Waitaha/Canterbury to act now as part of global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt our lives to build a thriving and resilient future.

Developing our goals together

Positive change is already happening in our region, around Aotearoa New Zealand and the world. Solutions are available to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build our resilience to climate change risks, while ensuring our region has a healthy environment, economic prosperity, and adaptable resilient communities.

Environment Canterbury is committed to our Tiriti partnership with Ngāi Tahu Papatipu Rūnanga and to playing our part in leading climate action by delivering environmental regulation, public transport services and hazard resilience. We also want to do what we can to empower people through a just and inclusive transition to a climate-ready future.

Together, we can do this, and we will make a difference for future generations.

We want to collaborate with you to create a climate action plan so that we prioritise action on the things that matter most.

Responding to the challenge of climate change means thinking differently about how we live, work, play, and travel. In setting more explicit climate action goals, we need to consider the implications of mitigating and adapting to climate change. Implementing comprehensive climate actions will likely require significant public investment but will contribute to multiple benefits. For example, through more sustainable land use we could build climate resilience, improve the health of our soils, water, taonga species and ecosystems, generate opportunities for recreation, and create market access for our agricultural products.

In July and August, we asked what you loved about Waitaha/Canterbury, how you think it is being affected by the impacts of climate change, and what areas you think we should focus on when developing our targets, goals and actions. We are now using your feedback to draft options for the actions we could take.