We need a national adaptation strategy, but who should develop it?

The quote above fits squarely into the 'easier said than done' category, but MfE guidance is now available for councils to take action at a local level. Debate is also happening on whether the upcoming Climate Commission will cover mitigation and adaptation, or just mitigation.

While the Environmental Defence Society welcomed the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment's report on A Zero Carbon Act for New Zealand, Gary Taylor also made the following comments: “One issue that we find a little underwhelming is his open-ended attitude to adaptation. He agrees there’s a need for a national strategy but not sure who should do it.

“Given New Zealand’s vulnerability to the effects of climate change – increased floods, droughts, storm surges and other extreme weather events – we think that a national strategy is enormously important and should rest firmly with the proposed Commission."