Greatest risks are from lack of action on climate change

It is significant the day after we learn the coalition Government will not reach our emission targets, a report from the Universities of Waikato, Canterbury and NIWA points to more extreme weather events in the near future.

As reported by Newsroom, 'New Zealand is no longer on track to meet its 2050 net zero emissions target, nor the third emissions budget in 2031 to 2035. That’s a marked change from the final projections released under Labour, which showed the country’s non-methane emissions falling below zero in 2041 and all three carbon budgets being achieved' https://newsroom.co.nz/2024/07/17/nz-no-longer-on-track-for-net-zero-under-govts-new-climate-plan/ 

Yesterday climate scientists from the Universities of Waikato, Hamilton and NIWA released a report focusing on the effects of a 3 degree temperature increase on the central North Island. The report found the wettest periods will receive 10% more rainfall, and the driest 10% less rainfall. This will result in 'more extreme dry spells, punctuated by more extreme rainfall events' https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2018947166/science-more-extreme-weather-fast-fashion-fix 

Earlier this month, Rabobank released 'Maintaining our Emissions Edge'. In this paper CEO Todd Charteris stated 'it would be unwise for farmers to coast before resuming the journey to reduce emissions from agriculture.....over 80% of New Zealand's exports are destined for countries with mandatory climate-rated disclosures...Rabobank suggests NZ's food and agriculture sectors will be well served to read the economic signals and maintain a focus on reducing emissions' https://www.farmersweekly.co.nz/farm-management/rabobank-urges-farmers-to-keep-foot-on-the-gas/ 

The coalition Government must become far more proactive over anthropogenic climate change. Inaction risks not just more cyclones similar to Gabrielle, but also international trade agreements and markets.

Ian Findlay