On 9 May 2024 , Parliament agreed to establish a cross-party inquiry to develop a framework for climate change adaptation. According to Climate Change Minister Simon Watts, the framework is necessary to provide New Zealanders and the economy with certainty as the climate continues to change.
In recent years, Aotearoa New Zealand has been directly impacted by unusual weather conditions such as the Auckland floods and Cyclone Gabrielle. Natural disasters are not only costly but threaten people’s lives.
Awareness of climate risk is growing
The extreme events last year have made people more aware of the potential climate impacts that could again hit Aotearoa and raise the question of whether we are – or can be – well prepared for them.
Not only are procedures to deal with climate events required, but proper responses to such risks are also necessary. These include aftermath clean-up, compensation, other additional aids to victims and reventive measures to avoid or minimise damage. These aspects should be addressed and properly framed.
Cross-party involvement
Accordingly, the government’s initiative to listen to opinions from all relevant parties, including councils, insurers, iwi and other communities, is a welcome first step.
This cross-party involvement is expected to foster consensus and reduce political friction, leading to a more robust and widely accepted framework. Policies developed through consensus are more likely to endure over time because there is less chance of them being overturned due to changes in government. This stability is crucial for effective climate change adaptation.
The framework aims to develop guiding principles to strengthen Aotearoa’s ability to cope with natural events and share the costs of climate change impacts. The cross-party inquiry will help shape policies to mitigate climate change emissions and build enduring solutions.
Submissions closed on 16 June 2024 and the committee will present its findings by September 2024. Legislation is expected to be introduced in early 2025.
The UK as an example
The UK provides a good example of effective climate change adaptation. The Climate Change Act 2008 (CCA) was enacted to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases and provide a delivery framework by setting reduction targets for 2050.
Since its enactment, the CCA has played a significant role underpinning the UK’s climate change adaptation framework.
Section 56 of the CCA requires the UK Government to report on the impact of climate change no later than 3 years after the enactment of the CCA, then every 5 years thereafter. Under section 58, the government is required to develop a climate change adaptation programme that responds to each report.
What we can learn from the UK is the importance of periodic reports, assessments and programme updates. It is inappropriate to rely on one-off evaluations and plans. Climate change and its impacts are continually evolving.
Unfortunately, the reality is that climate change could worsen, necessitating more efforts to address the deteriorating environmental conditions properly. Given such uncertainties, it is crucial for our framework to include a mandatory mechanism for periodic reports, assessments and programme updates like that of the UK.
Mandating adaptation programmes
In addition, our framework could mandate the implementation of updated programmes. At the very least, it should ensure continuous government funding to support local councils in adopting the recommended climate change adaptation.
The mandates could be achieved in conjunction with other laws and regulations. For example, we are currently awaiting an amended Building Act that will propose making energy performance ratings mandatory for various buildings and requiring waste minimisation plans.
The climate change adaptation framework could require that the most updated programme be considered when interpreting relevant laws, including the Building Act, and serve as a guideline.
Furthermore, mutually binding obligations between local councils and the government would ensure alignment with the most updated government programme. Requiring local councils to develop responsive policies and the government to provide incentives and funding after assessment will promote active participation in climate change adaptation.
The importance of keeping updated
An appropriate framework for climate change adaptation requires a deep understanding of the uncertainties and potential impacts of climate change. This knowledge is crucial for developing accurate preventive measures and practical responses. The collaborative efforts for the framework through cross-party consultation will produce more innovative and workable solutions.
However, its success is linked to true engagement. The government should learn from the UK’s experience where periodic updates have ensured the continuous relevance and effectiveness of climate change adaptation strategies.
Building on this example, incorporating the government incentives and priority funding mechanisms within our framework will empower local councils to enable meaningful action plans and enhance climate change adaptation at the local level.
Collaboration and continuous engagement should persist beyond cross-party inquiry, sustaining ongoing climate change adaptation endeavours.