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.

In New Zealand we are likely to see an increase in temperature of over 1ºC by 2050 and of over 2ºC (compared with 1990 levels) by the end of the century. 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 north and east. Climate change is expected to cause more frequent extreme weather events such as droughts and floods.

Projections for other climate changes include:

  • higher snow lines and possible reduced snow coverage
  • an increase in strong westerly winds in the south
  • an increase in average sea level.

For more information on climate change impacts in New Zealand see the Ministry for the Environment’s website:

Adapting to climate change

Adaptation to climate change means taking action to minimise risks and maximise opportunities resulting from climate change. Adaptation responses include actions to reduce the impacts of extreme weather events, and enhance the resilience of households, communities, businesses, and urban and rural environments.

The Ministry for the Environment website provides detailed information on adapting to the impacts of climate change. This includes a range of adaptation resources and guidance materials for communities, local government, and industries such as agriculture, forestry, planning, engineering and emergency management. You can also find out more about central government’s adaptation work programme and how to participate in any current public consultation and policy development.

A range of publications produced by the Ministry for Environment, which help identify climate change impacts and adaptation responses, are available here.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) website provides detailed information about the Sustainable Land Management and Climate Change Plan of Action. This includes work to effectively understand and adapt to the projected impacts of climate change in agriculture, forestry and horticulture sectors.