The Government this morning announced it will launch an inquiry into the development of a climate adaptation framework for New Zealand.
A Notice of Motion giving the Finance and Expenditure Committee the power to carry out the inquiry received cross-party support in the House.
“An enduring and long-term approach is needed to provide New Zealanders and the economy with certainty as the climate continues to change,” Climate Change Minister Simon Watts said.
“Here in New Zealand, we are feeling the impacts of climate change and we are seeing more frequent and severe damaging natural events such as flooding, storms and landslips.
“Natural disasters are costly, and we need to take steps to safeguard against loss and ensure the things we value most – our communities, jobs, industries and homes – are prepared to withstand the impacts of climate change.”
The purpose of the inquiry is to develop and recommend guiding objectives and principles for the design of a climate adaptation framework for New Zealand.
The framework “will set out the Government’s approach to sharing the costs of preparing New Zealand for the impacts of climate change”.
“It will help communities and businesses understand what investment is planned in their area, for example whether the council will build flood protection infrastructure, and what support will be available to help with recovery from events like slips or floods. It will also seek to improve the way we share information, so everyone can make informed decisions about how they manage risks,” Watts said.
It will also guide decision-making before a severe event and the response afterwards, “meaning we won’t have to start from scratch every time”.
“To find solutions which will be long lasting, we need broad agreement. That’s why I am delighted to have support from across the House for this motion, and a commitment to work together on this issue.”
Labour, Greens respond
Labour climate spokesperson Megan Woods welcomed the move, saying the impact of climate change knows “no partisan politics”.
“It is imperative we build enduring and long-lasting policies that outlast any one government,” she said.
“To do that we have to work across the House. We’ve done it before and can do it again.
“I welcome the conversation on climate change adaptation and look forward to cross-party work on this important issue.”
Greens co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick agreed, saying the party was “ready and willing to work with all political parties” to continue the critical climate adaptation work started by her predecessor, James Shaw.
“Just over a year ago our North Island was hammered by deadly and devastating climate-change charge weather events. Many are still grappling with the clean-up, insurance issues and infrastructure gaps. These are the consequences of a warming planet and we must do everything we can to both mitigate climate changing emissions and adapt. Good policy does both,” she said.
“We commend Minister Watts for picking up the mantle from Hon. James Shaw to progress critical climate adaptation work in a cross-party manner.”
Swarbrick encouraged “everyone and their communities, hapū and iwi to get involved with the Inquiry to have their say”.
“Let’s get on with this critical work for people and planet.”