With extreme weather events like storms, floods, and droughts becoming more common, the New Plymouth District Council (NPDC) is looking for ways to manage the impacts of climate change. They want to hear from residents to help shape a Climate Change Adaptation Plan. This plan aims to protect people, homes, and the environment.
Greg Stephens, NPDC’s Climate Change Response Lead, believes that while climate change poses challenges, it also opens up opportunities. “It’s been seven years since Cyclone Gita severely disrupted our water supply, affecting 10,000 homes. Events like Cyclone Gabrielle and the Auckland flooding in 2023 remind us how vital it is to plan ahead,” he said.
The community’s insights are crucial for determining what this plan should prioritize. NPDC emphasizes the importance of gathering public feedback. They encourage residents to share their thoughts before the feedback period ends on May 15.
In their 10-Year Plan for 2024-34, NPDC has set aside $490,000 this year for climate change planning and plans to increase that to $640,000 each subsequent year. The budget also includes a commitment to plant native vegetation across 10% of urban areas.
Recent data from the Ministry for the Environment reveals some concerning projections for New Plymouth by 2050. The city could see nearly 17 more days per year where temperatures exceed 25 degrees Celsius. Additionally, heavy rainfall events may become 7.5 percent heavier. Coastal areas like Ōakura and New Plymouth are particularly vulnerable, given that the region boasts over 100 kilometers of coastline.
Understanding these changes is vital for community resilience. Experts suggest that proactive adaptation, like developing green spaces or enhancing drainage systems, could help mitigate some effects of climate change. As residents engage in this planning process, their experiences and ideas will help shape a more sustainable future for New Plymouth.
For more details, you can visit the NPDC website.
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Source linkNPDC, Regional, Climate Change, Disasters and Natural Events, Environment and Conservation, Informative, Weather, Scoop
