Climate change means the long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns which are predominantly caused by human activities that release greenhouse gases - like the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil and gas).

There are two main approaches to addressing or minimising the impacts of climate change. These work hand-in-hand and both will be required in our draft strategy:

Mitigation: Some actions can be taken to reduce the amount of these gases (e.g. we can replace fossil fuels with clean energy sources, carbon dioxide can be absorbed/sequestered by trees etc).

Adaptation: We can take action to adjust to or minimise the impacts of climate change (e.g. we can manage our stormwater networks to prepare for increased volume and frequency of rainfall, we can build higher stop banks around rivers to minimise chances of flooding nearby properties etc).

Sustainability means meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. (e.g. recycling means we don't need to source more material, and reduce the amount of waste going to landfill, using renewable energy rather than fossil fuels, etc). Sustainability is complex and has implications across what we do, how we do it and how it impacts on the natural environment, which underpins everything we do.

By taking more sustainable actions, we will also reduce our emissions or better prepare us for the impacts of climate change.

e.g. reducing the amount of food waste that goes to landfill is a sustainable practice, and also means less methane will be released into the atmosphere.

Council adopted a Climate Change Policy in 2019. After reviewing the policy in 2022, a Climate Resilience Plan was also developed. Many of the actions in the plan have been achieved and have given Council a better understanding of our greenhouse gas emissions and what areas we need to focus on when it comes to reducing these emissions.

Council has also reduced staff food waste to landfill, committed ongoing investment in biodiversity with the development of our first Biodiversity Strategy in 2024 (nature-based solution to climate change), joined the ‘It’s Time, Canterbury’ campaign and continued the important recycling mahi (work) at our resource recovery centres.

Council also plans for the effects of climate change through its regular activities, such as upgrading our stormwater network to help alleviate flooding in heavy rain events and the impacts on climate change are considered in every major decision that Council makes.

Council is also a partner in the Canterbury Climate Partnership Plan, which was developed through a joint effort by Canterbury's 11 councils. The plan is focused on climate mitigation and adaptation with 10 regional climate actions including understanding climate risks, emissions reduction, adaptation planning, and climate education and advocacy.

https://niwa.co.nz/climate-change-information-climate-solvers/climate-change-and-possible-impacts-new-zealand