Climate Change - Introduction

Summer day in Wellington

Wellington City Council recognises the importance of climate change and the need for a comprehensive city response. In June 2010, the Council passed the Climate Change Action Plan that established the dual focus on:

Adaptation - preparing for the impacts of climate change so we can safeguard the community, the environment and the economy from likely risks.

Mitigation - reducing greenhouse gas emissions, or storing (sequestering) carbon dioxide in forests.

The Council's work programme on climate change is divided into the following key action areas:

• Adaptation
• Buildings and energy
• Land transport
• Waste
• Council operations
• Forestry
• Aviation

The Council's 2010 Climate Change Action Plan provided a 2-year work programme to achieve significant progress on climate change. The plan was recognised as a category award winner in the Ministry for the Environment Green Ribbon Awards 2011.

Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Targets

More than 96% of Wellington city's 1.19 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions are produced from energy used in buildings and energy, land transport and aviation.

The 2010 Climate Change Action Plan set the following voluntary targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Wellington city.

Base year is 2001.

Sources of Emissions in Wellington

A breakdown of how greenhouse gas emissions are generated shows:

Note:
Emissions are from 2006/07. The emissions inventory from 2010/11 is being verified.

Impact of Climate Change

South Coast clouds

A range of impacts resulting from climate change will affect Wellington including:

• coastal hazards from sea-level rise and storm-surge events
• potential difficulty in maintaining water supply in the summer months due to reduced rainfall, higher temperatures and increased demand
• flooding, slips and high winds from extreme storms, resulting in damage and disruption (for example, damage to roading and property).

The Council has a responsibility to protect residents, property and infrastructure from the impacts of climate change so it's essential those impacts and risks are recognised early and that they are properly planned for.

Our role in managing climate-related risks includes designing stormwater systems and coastal walls and defences that can withstand significant storms, and managing water supply networks to cope with potential dry years. The Council also takes into account hazards by planning control through the District Plan.

Impacts

Related Links

• Climate Change Action Plan
• Climate Change Information NZ website
• Green Ribbon Awards - Ministry for the Environment website
• Local Government Act 2002 - NZ Legislation website
• Mayor's Speech: Climate Change Forum Opening - 31.03.11
• Wellington Towards 2040: Smart Capital - Goals

Department Details:
Policy