Climate Change - Actions
Wellington coastline
Under the Local Government Act 2002, New Zealand's local councils are required to protect the natural environment and ensure community wellbeing.
Wellington City Council is implementing measures designed to reduce its own carbon-footprint, as well as that of the wider city. These initiatives demonstrate a commitment to managing climate change impacts and to leading by example.
Initial work has focused on asset management, hazard management and regulatory processes. This includes:
- the capacity and design of the city's stormwater system
- decisions controlling housing and infrastructure development in places susceptible to river and sea flooding, and areas prone to slips or coastal erosion
- land-use decisions, such as forestry or farming, including management options for native ecosystems.
Long-term Vision
The Council agreed on 27 June 2007 to a long-term vision of carbon neutrality for the city.
Climate Change Vision - June 2007 (137Kb PDF)
Wellington's carbon neutral vision is for the whole community - residents, businesses, visitors, and the Council.
In December 2007, the Council agreed on targets, timing and a draft programme of work aiming to achieve carbon neutrality for its own activities by 2012. Implementation will begin in early 2008.
Council Initiatives
Bus lane - Lambton Quay
Wellington City Council's in-house initiatives over recent years have been in response to commonsense economic, social and environmental drivers.
Measures include strategies around transport, energy, sustainable buildings, and water conservation. The Council is also working to ensure that infrastructure will cope with the impacts of climate change expected this century.
The Council has introduced a number of community initiatives, and many businesses and residents are taking action.
- Resident Satisfaction Survey (February 2007) results (71Kb PDF)
- Annual Report 06/07 - Monitoring Information (71Kb PDF)
Consultation
Planning is underway to consult with the community as preparation for the 2008/09 Draft Annual Plan, and the 2009/19 Long-term Council Community Plan.
Personal Initiatives
City bicycle stand
To achieve carbon neutrality, we all need to work together collectively and individually.
Learning to live sustainably is a personal challenge for everyone. By rethinking how we do things on an everyday basis, we can reduce our impact on the environment and save money.
The New Zealand Government Sustainability website has ideas on how to reduce your personal carbon footprint.
The Council welcomes your comments and suggestions. Use the online Council Query & Comment Form.
Related Links
- Annual Report 06/07 - Monitoring Information (71Kb PDF)
- Climate Change Vision - June 2007 (137Kb PDF)
- Climate Change Action Plan
- Resident Satisfaction Survey (February 2007) results (71Kb PDF)
- Query & Comment Form
- Sustainability website
Department Details:
Policy
