“Climate Change Report Reveals ‘Catastrophic’ Impact on Wellington Region’s Infrastructure and Environment”
The Wellington region is facing a dire future as a new report reveals the catastrophic impact that climate change could have on its infrastructure, buildings, and natural environment by the end of this century. The Wellington regional climate change impact assessment report, a collaborative effort between consultancy firm Beca, GNS Science, and NIWA over the past two years, was recently published and discussed at Tuesday’s Wellington Regional Leadership Committee.
The study conducted risk assessments across five key areas – the natural environment, infrastructure, the economy, governance, and social impacts on people. It considered two emissions scenarios: a moderate scenario with global warming reaching between 1.7 and 3.2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels by 2100, and a high scenario with global warming reaching between 3.2 and 5.4 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels by 2100.
The report found that in either scenario, the risk to buildings in the region due to coastal erosion, cliffs, and beaches will be extreme, with an overall impact rating defined in the study as catastrophic. The risk to roads and rail due to landslides and soil erosion was also rated as extreme in both scenarios, with the same overall catastrophic rating.
Coastal flooding is expected to have significant effects on buildings and structures near Wellington Airport, Wellington’s CBD, large portions of buildings in Lower Hutt, and structures near Lake Wairarapa. Landslides are also projected to impact 990 roads and 52 railway locations by the end of the century, with slips affecting thousands of buildings in Wellington City over the same period. The report also identified similar risks associated with social cohesion, freshwater ecosystems, and cultural heritage in the region.
Greater Wellington Regional Council chairperson Daran Ponter described the report as a sobering reminder of the challenges ahead for the region, particularly as it continues to rebuild its infrastructure, especially in relation to the rail network. Ponter emphasized the need for ongoing infrastructure work and adaptation to accommodate the changes brought about by climate change.
Kāpiti Mayor Janet Holborow echoed concerns about the impact of climate change on her district, highlighting the risks of coastal erosion and inland flooding. She stressed the importance of sensible growth and development planning to mitigate these risks. Work will now commence on a report focusing on a regional approach to climate change adaptation in the Wellington region.
As the region grapples with the sobering findings of this report, it is clear that urgent action is needed to address the looming threats posed by climate change and safeguard the future of Wellington’s infrastructure, buildings, and natural environment.