Climate research will support local government decisions
The complexity of climate change, as well as the unpredictable rate of change, can be overwhelming when considering how to respond to these challenges at a district or a regional level. Fortunately, the next infrastructure strategies and asset management plans...
Summer reading … with a local government twist
I love reading a book in one big gulp during the summer holidays. My favourite this year was ‘Unsheltered’ by Barbara Kingsolver. The present-day story is about a family dealing with the fall out of a number of shocks related to their family, their careers, financial...
Moving to a low carbon economy
Introduction What role will local government have in New Zealand’s progress towards a low carbon economy? In this article I reflect on some of the points raised in the Productivity Commission’s Low-emissions economy report and suggest some ways councils may contribute...
Advice for local government on adapting to climate change
Councils have to respond to the increasing intensity of weather events, organising civil defence responses then fixing damaged infrastructure. At the same time, they need to make a plan to help their communities adapt to the effects of rising sea levels and increasing...
Adapting to climate change: a 10 step process
Our vulnerability to higher sea levels and coastal storm events has never been clearer. It’s timely that guidance for local government on ‘Preparing for Coastal Change’ was released in December 2017 which outlines 10 steps for councils to follow in establishing a plan...