Climate change risks

For all communities, risks from climate change hazards generally include damage to infrastructure from flooding and disruption to transport routes and supply chains.

Changing climate conditions also pose a risk to supporting utilities like landfills and power supplies. Many of our smaller urban areas are fed by water sources that are vulnerable to climate impacts. Water use restrictions may become more commonplace in some areas.

Christchurch/Ōtautahi is our biggest city. It is a major social and economic hub for the Waitaha region.

The low-lying coastal position of much of the city makes it very exposed to flooding and sea level rise. This poses a widespread risk to Christchurch/Ōtautahi communities and infrastructure.

There is a risk that community cohesion will reduce as a result of climate-related damage. People's physical and mental health may also be impacted by climate-related stressors, including changing markets and job availability.

As a result of sea level rise, ports, transport connections, coastal ecosystems, wetlands, and communities at the coastal fringe will be exposed to an increased risk of flooding, salinity stress and erosion.

Changes in temperatures and ocean chemistry will impact fisheries and marine ecosystems.

This can affect the abundance and distribution of marine plants and animals, including pests, and can influence behaviour patterns such as migration routes.

Increased temperatures, drought, and fire will impact forestry, agriculture, tourism, and ecosystems.

Remote communities may face increased disruption to transport routes, making them more isolated at times.

Higher temperatures, a decrease in snow and ice (including the retreat of glaciers) and changing rainfall patterns will create risks that may impact alpine biodiversity.

These changes are also likely to impact skiing and other alpine tourism activities.

The unique rivers, lakes, and streams, and the extensive groundwater aquifers of Waitaha are significant for mahinga kai (resource gathering) for Māori.

Increased temperatures, drought potential, and changing rain and snowfall patterns pose risks to biodiversity. 

They also pose a risk to the reliability of water supplies, which can impact the way we use water.

Increased flooding, sediment transport, water temperatures, and demand for water poses a risk to aquatic ecosystems, irrigation supplies, and hydropower systems.

The fertile lowlands of Waitaha are highly important for agriculture.

Increased temperatures pose risks of heat stress on stock, as well as an increase in the occurrence of pests and invasive species.

Increased drought potential may introduce a range of stresses, and could impact water availability. 

Increases in the frequency and severity of storms, wind, and flooding may increase erosion, and cause damage to crops, pasture, stock, houses and infrastructure.