Otago’s climate is changing. These changes will affect our people, our environments, our biodiversity and our economy. 

It’s important to understand the potential impacts so we can build Otago’s climate resilience. 

In the coming years and decades, we can expect higher temperatures, more extreme and unpredictable weather events, increased coastal erosion, and sea level and groundwater rises. 

Different areas of Otago will experience different impacts.  

Climate change will impact all areas of our lives, including our natural environment, communities, economy, built environment and governance structures.

• Health and safety risks to people and communities due to extreme weather conditions and emergencies.
• More extreme weather and flooding causing damage to homes, buildings and recreation areas, and affecting electricity and water infrastructure.
• Hotter, drier, windier weather increasing risk of fire and wind damage, with less snow and ice.
• Warmer temperatures impacting crops, animals and ecosystems, increasing pests and diseases, and affecting water storage.
• Rising sea levels and floods impacting our coastal communities and spaces, including culturally significant sites for Kāi Tahu.
• Economic impacts on property prices, insurance, jobs and the costs of doing business. Climate change impacts are not spread evenly, which may increase existing inequities.

Greenhouse gases trap heat within the Earth’s atmosphere and affect our climate. 

Nationally, Aotearoa New Zealand's major sources of greenhouse gas emissions are agriculture, manufacturing, households and transport/warehousing.  

Otago’s emissions profile is unique and linked to the make-up of our local economy. The main greenhouse gas emissions sources in Otago are: 

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