How we need to adapt to big climate events
Big, expensive disasters like the Auckland flooding are now more frequent as a result of climate change.
We need to change how we organise our lives in response.
The government is working on this.
“Severe weather events that had previously seemed unthinkable, even only a few years ago, are now happening at a pace and intensity we have never experienced before.
"And when they happen, everything from the roads we rely on, to our drains and water supplies, to getting the kids to school can be severely disrupted.”
- Climate Change Minister James Shaw
The government’s plans include:
1. What is allowed to be built, and where, will be more tightly controlled so that major weather events don’t ruin everything.
2. Some things that are already built, including homes, will have to be removed.
3. Some places that are vulnerable to flooding might have work done to protect them, like bigger stop banks and floodplains.
But none of this has been made into law yet. And it's not clear who will pay for it all.
“This is something that we have to deal with as a country.”
Insurance is also a problem.
Insurance companies are starting to increase premiums for homes at greater risk of flooding.
The government could be a backstop for these homes.
But that risks the same places being hit over and over again.
Built with Shorthand
