Severe impacts of climate change in stark contrast to lack of action from NZ government

The IPCC’s latest report forecasting fires, floods and sea level rise for New Zealand highlights the urgent need for action on climate change said global conservation organisation WWF today.

“The latest IPCC report should ring an alarm bell for all of us. It outlines the dangerous impacts of climate change for New Zealand including more storms, fires, floods and sea level rise. New Zealand needs to play its part in cutting emissions. We need action from our government, not excuses for doing nothing, said WWF Head of Campaigns Peter Hardstaff.

The IPCC report on Impacts, Adaption and Vulnerability released today, is further confirmation that climate change will have a negative impact on New Zealand and the world’s climate.

The likely impacts of climate change on New Zealand include rising sea levels, rising temperatures, more floods, fires, storms, landslides and droughts.

“A clean energy future for New Zealand is 100% possible. We have amazing renewable natural resources and we should be investing in them instead of fossil fuels, said Mr Hardstaff.

“Investing in renewable energies and sustainable transport now will help tackle dangerous climate change. This change in approach will create new economic opportunities for New Zealand and will help ensure we have a sustainable future for our children and our environment.

“As a first step the New Zealand Government should cut its $46 million of fossil fuel subsidies, and look at how it can support investment in renewable energy and sustainable transport.

“The risk of ignoring the science is huge. The longer we delay action the more expensive addressing climate change will become. The good news is that we have most of the solutions within our grasp but what is most needed is the political will to help implement them.

ENDS

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