The time for action on climate change is now

21 December 2015

The time for action on climate change is now

The UN Climate Change Conference in Paris COP21 confirms that all New Zealanders need to get serious about action on climate change.

“New Zealand must contribute effectively to the global effort to avoid dangerous climate change. The Royal Society of New Zealand is developing expert advice on the implications of climate change for New Zealand, and on possible options New Zealand might take to reduce its emissions,” says Professor Richard Bedford, President of the Royal Society of New Zealand.

Independent expert panels investigating climate change

To consider how we deal with climate change in New Zealand we need to have the evidence to hand, and have it presented in clear and understandable form so all New Zealanders can see how they can and should contribute. The Royal Society of New Zealand has two expert panels working on different aspects of climate change. The first, will present evidence for the public on the impact of climate change on New Zealand and the second will address possible options New Zealand might take to reduce its emissions. These reports will be published in 2016.

“We will be presenting information on those issues that most affect New Zealand including rising sea levels, increasing temperatures, flooding risks, changes to ecosystems, ocean systems and likely international impacts.

“The climate system is very complex which means there is some uncertainty about what will happen and when. This is a reason to act, not a reason to wait. Acting to protect our environment, economy and culture will always be worthwhile. The risk of not acting to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change and protect ourselves from these effects is vastly greater than the risk of overinvesting to protect ourselves and our environment,” says Professor Bedford.

The Royal Society of New Zealand’s second report will be focussed on what New Zealand might do to reduce its emissions. This will identify the benefits that can result from reducing greenhouse gas emissions; evaluate the interactions between the technological, policy and behavioural issues; and consider issues limiting the potential for action or providing opportunities for change.

Members of the two panels are:

Climate Change Implications for New Zealand Panel
Dr James Renwick (chair): Professor, Physical Geography, Victoria University, Wellington
Dr Barbara Anderson: Rutherford Discovery Fellow, Landcare Research Manaaki Whenua, Dunedin
Dr Alison Greenaway: Social Researcher, Landcare Research Manaaki Whenua, Auckland
Darren King: Environmental Scientist, National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA), Wellington
Dr Sara Mikaloff-Fletcher: Atmosphere-Ocean Scientist, National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA), Wellington
Dr Andy Reisinger: Deputy Director (International), New Zealand Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre, Wellington
Dr Helen Rouse: Resource Management Scientist, National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA), Christchurch

Climate Change Mitigation Options for New Zealand Panel
Professor Ralph Sims (Chair): School of Engineering and Advanced Technology, Massey University
Professor Barry Barton: Te Piringa Faculty of Law, University of Waikato
Dr Paul Bennett: Science Leader, Clean Technologies, Scion
Nigel Isaacs: Teaching/Research Fellow, School of Architecture, Victoria University of Wellington
Dr Suzi Kerr: Senior Fellow, Motu and Adjunct Professor, Victoria University of Wellington
Associate Professor Jonathan Leaver: Associate Professor of Civil Engineering, Unitec
Dr Janet Stephenson: Director of the Centre for Sustainability, University of Otago
Dr Andy Reisinger: Deputy Director (International), New Zealand Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre, Wellington

ENDS

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