The Ministry of the Environment and Statistics NZ have released their triennial update on the state of Aotearoa’s atmosphere and climate.
Further evidence that emissions from human activities are putting pressure on the climate
Atmosphere and Climate 2023 provides further evidence that emissions from human activities are putting pressure on the climate and negatively impacting the environment, communities, Māori interests, infrastructure and the economy.
The department’s deputy permanent secretary, Joint Evidence, Data and Insights Group, Natasha Lewis, said eight of the 10 warmest years recorded in Aotearoa by 2022 had been in the past decade.
“Even small changes in climate can have big impacts on the environment. Rising temperatures have big impacts on agriculture, energy demand, ecosystems and recreation,” she says.
Fluctuations in precipitation, increased frequency of droughts, and ocean warming to record levels
Aotearoa is also experiencing fluctuations in rainfall, increased frequency of droughts and ocean warming to record levels. Glaciers are retreating and sea levels across the country have risen twice as fast in the past 60 years as in the previous 60 years. Human activities have doubled the frequency of extreme temperature events in Aotearoa.
“This impacts what we value most: our safety and security, where we live, our livelihoods, our economy, and our well-being.”
Around 750,000 New Zealanders and 500,000 buildings worth more than $145 billion live near rivers and coastal areas that are already exposed to extreme flooding. In these areas, major urban centres, sites of cultural significance, taonga (valuable) species and food security are also at risk.
“Many sectors of our economy depend on natural resources such as water, which are highly dependent on rainfall and temperature, or are located in flood-prone areas. The costs of responding to extreme weather events are increasing. There is a high possibility that it will.”
Impact on biodiversity and ecosystems
A key theme of this report is the impact of climate change on biodiversity and ecosystems. This natural infrastructure acts as a buffer against the worst effects of climate change. For example, restored wetlands can help absorb the impact of storm surges and protect communities from rising sea levels. Old-growth forests reconnected to wetlands and restored floodplains can slow and hold water during storms, helping to reduce flooding.
“Human activities are causing biodiversity loss. The question now is how close we are to a tipping point. will become inevitable.”
Looking to the future
The report also includes a series of evidence-based assessments of the outlook for the atmosphere and climate, under Our Atmosphere and Climate 2020.
“Looking to the future rather than just the past represents a significant change in our approach to environmental reporting. This information will help people and organizations better understand climate change and plan for the future. I hope it helps.”