Physical impacts and adaptation
Scientists warn the expected impacts of climate change will include rising temperatures, sea level rise, changing rainfall patterns and increased storminess. Adaptation is the process of preparing for and adapting to the impact of these changes on our economy, environment, infrastructure and way of life, in order to minimise the risks and maximise the opportunities.
Physical impacts
Climate change will affect many natural and man-made systems to some extent depending on the sensitivity of the system and its ability to adapt to climate change.
Temperature rises in New Zealand are likely to be around 2/3 of the global average. There are likely to be fewer frost days in winter and more hot days in summer.
One of the greatest impacts of climate change is likely to be on water resources, with higher rainfall in the west and less in the east. Extreme climate events such as droughts could become more frequent in eastern areas, but floods could also increase.
Projections for other climate changes include:
- decreased frost risk
- increased frequency of high temperatures
- increased frequency of extreme daily rainfalls
- higher snow lines and possible reduced snow coverage
- possible increase in strong winds
- an increase in average sea level.
Adapting to climate change
The Ministry of the Environment produces a range of resources about climate change and guidance materials on the impacts of climate change and how we can adapt to and prepare for these impacts.
The following links all take you to the Ministry for the Environment website.
Impact and adaptation reports
Climate change impacts and adaptation reference reports
- Climate Change Leadership Forum report number: 8
- Agriculture (MAF's EcoClimate report)
- Biodiversity (Ministry for the Environment)
- The built environment
- Water resources (Ministry for the Environment)
- Projected changes by region:
- Temperature (Ministry for the Environment)
- Precipitation (rain, snow, etc) (Ministry for the Environment)
