Multi-sector NZ risk assessment would allow for “Wise Response”
100 notable New Zealanders are backing a call to government for a quantitative risk assessment of how and exactly where
New Zealand is exposed to key global issues across economic security, energy and climate security, environmental
security, business continuity and social well-being.
The nationwide appeal, called Wise Response has also been signed by thousands around the country, and will be presented
to Parliament on Wednesday 9 April.
Climate change group 350 Aotearoa is one of a number of groups that strongly supports the multi-issue call.
350 Aotearoa Chairperson, Aaron Packard, one of the first 100 who signed-on to launch the call, says “For New Zealand,
it’s key that we assess climate change risks not only in terms of direct impacts on our coastlines and agriculture, but
also understand the larger risks that we’re exposed to as part of a global economic and political system, from global
energy and economic security, to risks of increased global conflicts, and immigration impacts.”
The Wise Response appeal will be presented just one week after the IPCC release of one of the most comprehensive reports
ever on global climate change impacts, vulnerability and adaptation.
The international IPCC report highlights that the world is “ill-prepared” for the impacts of climate change; it notes
that there are opportunities to adapt to some of the risks from climate change, but crucially also concludes that it
will be very difficult to respond to the impacts of higher levels of temperature rise, which the world is currently on
track for.
“It is critical that the Key Government doesn’t just shrug this appeal off. These risks are very real and at present New
Zealand is not ready for them. By addressing these risks, we will ensure that the New Zealand of the future is a strong
and healthy country to live in” said Packard.
The 100 key backers of the Wise Response call represent a wide range of expertise, reflecting the broad issues that the
risk assessment would address. They include Dame Anne Salmond, Sir Lloyd Geering, and Sir Georey Palmer amongst many
other top thinkers in economics, science, and social issues.
More information, including the text of the appeal, is available at http://wiseresponse.org.nz/
ENDS