Whakatāne District Council is working on updating its Climate Change Strategy and asking residents to share their thoughts.

While incredibly complex — and at times overwhelming — building climate change resilience now, means we'll have more options to meet challenges later.

Manager Strategy and Performance Dr Leny Woolsey said once complete the strategy will set the direction for how we all respond to the environmental challenges we face.

“We recognise there is a need for coordinated action, and we’re encouraging communities across the district to get involved. 

“We want residents to engage and provide feedback to ensure the strategy meets community needs across the district,” Dr Woolsey said.

Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and the loss of biodiversity pose significant threats to our environment, economy, and way of life as we know it.

A recent Bay of Plenty Regional Council report shows if society doesn’t significantly reduce carbon emissions, sea level is likely to rise, the number of hotter days are expected to triple, storms will become more frequent and droughts will get longer and drier.

The report provides a regional overview of current and future climate risks with the aim of identifying and highlighting areas where a focused effort is needed to manage these risks.

Dr Woolsey adds we know we can’t solve climate change with just one solution, but lots of small action can and will make a difference.

“The strategy is a call to action, a blueprint for change, and a commitment to a sustainable future. We invite individuals, businesses, communities' and advocacy groups to join us in an effort to make change."

“The more we do to build climate change resilience now, together, the more options we will have to meet the challenges later.”

"The climate crisis is not an issue we can afford to ignore.”

To have your say visit our Kōrero mai page and let us know your concerns, hopes, and ambitions for collective climate action in the Whakatāne District.