Adaptation to Climate Change in New Zealand
Climate Change Law and Policy in New Zealand. Editors: Cameron A. 346-372, Lexis Nexis, Wellington, July 2011
48 Pages Posted: 21 Sep 2013 Last revised: 22 Sep 2013
Date Written: July 1, 2011
Abstract
The chapter begins with an overview of the international framework for adaptation, including key provisions of the UNFCCC and the Kyoto Protocol, as well as developments flowing from the Bali Action Plan (2007), Copenhagen (2009) and Cancún (2010). After a brief examination of definitions of “adaptation” the discussion then turns to the New Zealand context, starting with a summary of the principal bio-physical impacts expected as a result of global climate change. A review and analysis of central government adaptation action follows. A review of key local government initiatives concerning adaptation is presented, together with a brief review of the relevant statutory and legal framework. The final section surveys the approach of the New Zealand courts to climate change adaptation. This includes analyses of the courts’ approach to the science of climate change, allowance for sea-level rise, planning time frames for climate change effects considerations, and the vexed question of the appropriate degree of court intervention to prevent or limit exposure to climate change risks. The chapter finishes with some conclusions regarding the present adaptation regulatory and policy regime, and possible developments in the future.
Keywords: climate change, New Zealand, international, adaptation, law, United Nations, framework convention, Kyoto Protocol, sea-level rise, global warming
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