Understanding climate change
If left to run its course, climate change will have significant impacts on our economy, environment and society. New Zealand's economy is particularly vulnerable to climate change because our reliance on primary industry means we depend on a stable, equable climate. By to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the main contributor to climate change, we can reduce their impact.
Below is a rundown on the key issues, plus some useful links. |
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For in-depth information, see Climate
change questions and answers and More
stuff about climate change.
What is climate change?
Greenhouse gases in our atmosphere (mainly carbon dioxide,
methane and nitrous oxide) act like the outside covering of
a greenhouse - trapping warmth from the sun and making life
on Earth possible. However, increasing greenhouse gas emissions
from human activity such as transportation, industry, energy
production, agriculture and deforestation are causing Earth
to heat at a faster rate. Once this global warming affects
our weather patterns and climatic conditions, it is referred
to as climate change.
More information on what climate change is.
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Why has climate change become a problem?
If we do not take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
and global warming, New Zealand like many other countries
will experience further climatic changes such as higher temperatures,
increasing sea levels, more frequent extreme climatic events
(e.g. droughts and floods) and a change in rainfall patterns.
These climatic changes will potentially impact on our native
ecosystems, industries, infrastructure, health, biosecurity
and our economy. If global emissions continue to increase,
climate change could be severe and would more than likely
get steadily worse (although there will be some benefits).
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How is New Zealand contributing to climate change?
Just under half of New Zealand's total greenhouse gas emissions
are produced by agriculture (methane and nitrous oxide from
farm animals). However, the principal growth in emissions
(43%) comes from increased carbon dioxide from the energy
sector (mainly transport and electricity generation). The
proportion of fossil-fuelled electricity generation is rising,
meaning that greenhouse gas emissions from the electricity
sector are growing rapidly. Industrial processes and waste
account for 8% of New Zealand's emissions. On the upside,
New Zealand's plentiful forests are helping absorb carbon
dioxide from the atmosphere.
More
information on New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions.
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How does climate change affect New Zealand?
If we don't reduce greenhouse gas emissions caused by human
activity, New Zealand is likely to experience more frequent
droughts and floods (with drier conditions in the east and
wetter conditions in the west), rising sea levels, changing
rainfall patterns and increasing temperatures in some regions.
This may impact on our native ecosystems, industries, infrastructure,
health, biosecurity and economy.
More information on the effects of climate change.
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What's the thinking behind this campaign?
New Zealand's four million careful owners have made it clear
they want practical advice on how to make a difference to
the environment. The Ministry for the Environment is
therefore leading a publicity campaign, in conjunction with
other Government departments, to boost understanding of the
issues relating to climate change and to encourage people
to do something about it. The goal is not just to prompt debate
and raise awareness, but to get Kiwis into action.
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What can I do?
The Government aims to reduce New Zealand's greenhouse gas
emissions by encouraging more efficient energy use, less reliance
on fossil fuels (such as coal, oil and natural gas), more
efficient use of transport and less waste. We can all contribute
by at home, at work or on the farm. For example,
there are many things you can do at home to reduce your household's
emissions and become more energy efficient (this will also
save you money on your power bill!). Get informed and spread
the word. If enough of us join in and make changes, we can
do our bit to help reduce the effects of climate change.
Take action:
At home & on the
road
At work
On the land
In your community
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