New Zealand’s approach to climate change is leaning too much toward small, gradual adjustments. This is the key takeaway from research by Dr. Sasha Maher from the University of Auckland and Professor Brad Jackson of the University of Waikato. They argue that simply making tiny changes won’t be enough to tackle the serious challenges posed by climate impact.
In their study, published in the journal Leadership, Maher and Jackson raise concerns that the country’s current leadership style encourages scattered efforts that may undermine effective climate policy. They stress the need for leaders who can foster collective responsibility and collaboration among communities.
“Our paper looks closely at how leadership is responding to climate change, especially in terms of adaptation,” Maher explained. “We wanted to see if it’s making a real difference or just sticking to the same old methods.”
Adaptation means finding ways to live with climate change to lessen its dangers and protect people. However, their research suggests that New Zealand’s current approach could worsen existing inequalities, leaving some communities at greater risk.
By examining public documents from 2021 to 2024 and conducting stakeholder interviews, they found a consensus on the goals of climate adaptation but observed a significant divide in who benefits from it. Many stakeholders hesitated to take full responsibility for leadership, which could lead to inefficiencies and missed opportunities.
Current discussions around adaptation show a shift toward prioritizing fiscal concerns. While previous administrations weighed issues like fairness for Māori and vulnerable communities, the focus now is more on economic factors. Maher pointed out a growing trend that shifts the responsibility onto individual homeowners and the market. This change has led to things like personal sea walls and an increased role for insurance companies in guiding behavior through risk pricing.
“This shift narrows our understanding of climate leadership to just protecting property, rather than addressing wider social issues,” Maher claimed.
She believes that the government should prioritize equity and community well-being in its climate response. It’s crucial that solutions to natural disasters, like flooding and rising seas, not only protect homes but also support vulnerable populations.
The researchers initiated their study after severe floods hit regions like the West Coast and Marlborough in 2021. These disasters raised urgent questions about the financial implications of climate adaptation and whether entire communities might have to relocate.
They analyzed a range of documents—from parliamentary reports to policy briefs—alongside interviews with experts. These conversations focused on the types of leadership needed for more frequent extreme weather events.
Their conclusion is straightforward: climate adaptation needs to prioritize responsibility and community. Maher and Jackson urge the government to create a system focused on equity and collaboration to build resilience against future climate challenges.
To read more about leadership and climate adaptation, check out this study on leadership in environmental contexts.
For more insights, you can explore related content from Scoop.
