Climate Change

Climate change is one of, if not the biggest, environmental challenges we face. While we are uncertain about the pace and scale of change, we do know that a changing climate is likely to affect our economy, environment, and way of life, and that this must be addressed with urgency.
 

Our region

In the Horizons Region a changing climate is likely to lead to changes in land-use suitability and impacts on primary production. Changing weather patterns, such as a warmer climate, may provide new opportunities for horticulture or cropping in some areas. However, we will also face significant challenges like more frequent and serious flooding. Climate change is not a problem for the distant future: some of these changes are already starting to be felt. By responding now, we can make our communities more resilient and reduce the overall costs associated with climate change.

In 2016, Horizons engaged NIWA to downscale global and national climate models to investigate climate change scenarios for our region. It found we’re likely to experience:

• Warmer winters with fewer frosts.
• Hotter summers with risks of heat stress and drought.
• The introduction of new pests, and more favourable conditions for the ones we already have.
• Possible introduction of subtropical diseases.
• Threatened species may struggle to survive.
• Rising sea levels.

What are we doing?

Horizons Climate Change Strategy

Alongside the science, a cross-organisational team has been established to develop a Climate Change Strategy for Horizons. The aim of this strategy is to:

• Set a position on Horizons’ role in mitigation and adaptation to the effects of climate change.
• Provide a direction on what action Horizons should proactively take.
• Provide a basis for responding to opportunities and disruptions as they relate to our activities and community outcomes
• Develop staff understanding of how the strategy approach will relate to day-to-day work of the business.

• Horizons and territorial authorities in our region signed a Memorandum of Understanding in September 2019, undertaking to work together in response to climate change.
• We are developing objectives and policies to guide Horizons’ effort and investment through the Long-term Plan.

• In parallel, we have started to work with territorial authorities to produce a joint action plan. In the first instance, this will reflect existing activities that provide a foundation for our climate change response. As we continue to develop our strategy, we will add to our action plan.
• A vulnerability assessment will be an important step identifying in climate-related impacts across the region and agreeing how to prioritise them.
• Resourcing for new actions will be addressed through Annual Plan/Long-term Plan processes.