Climate change in Canterbury
Climate change is already having visible effects in the Canterbury region, and these will continue to become more apparent over time. Temperatures are warming and weather patterns are shifting, and these changes will have both positive and negative effects for different activities across the region. It is important that we understand the projected impacts of climate change, so we can factor this into our planning and the work that we do.
What we already know
It is internationally accepted that rising levels of greenhouse gas emissions are the main reason for recent global climate change, and that human activities are responsible.
Increasing greenhouse gases, which remain in the atmosphere for decades, have an effect a bit like wrapping the earth in a blanket. How much and how fast Canterbury's climate changes depends on the thickness of that blanket, or what climate scientists call greenhouse gas concentrations.
Some simple examples of what science tells us about the big picture:
- The earth has warmed by about 1°C since the beginning of the industrial revolution in the late 1700s.
- Global sea levels have risen by about 1.7 mm per year over the last century, but at almost twice that rate since the early 1990s.
And, closer to home:
- In New Zealand, average temperatures have risen by about 1°C in 100 years.
- The South Island's south and west are seeing more rain, and the northeast less rain.
- Heavy rainfall events have become more intense because higher temperatures allow the atmosphere to carry more moisture.
- Cold extremes have become rarer and hot extremes more common.
Continual learning
Our understanding of the changing climate and the consequences will continue to evolve. In 2020, Environment Canterbury commissioned research from NIWA about what might happen in our region between now and 2100.
Access the full report, and read about the climate change projections for Canterbury
In May 2024, we published the first greenhouse gas emissions inventory report for Canterbury. The report analyses the greenhouse gas emissions for our region in 2018 and 2021, and is available to read on our Getting to Net Zero webpage.
Information from the report is helping shape our first climate action plan, which is due to be published in September 2024. The report will also help inform the Canterbury Climate Partnership Plan – a collaborative climate action plan being created by all 11 councils in Canterbury through the Canterbury Mayoral Forum.
We plan to publish the next version of the emissions inventory report for Waitaha/Canterbury in 2026.
It’s time, Canterbury
It's time, Canterbury is Canterbury's platform for climate change conversations.
Visit the website to learn about what's expected in our region, how the district councils are responding and for ideas on how we can lead more sustainable lives.
