NZ urged to step up climate change measures

New Zealand has been urged to step up preparations for the impacts of climate change, including the effect on its infrastructure and flood management systems.

Ministry for the Environment chief executive Hugh Logan said climate change would affect every aspect of New Zealanders' lives.

"We must build resilience into our agricultural production systems and into our major investments such as infrastructure," Mr Logan said in a speech to Lincoln University's State of the Nation's Environment conference.

"Infrastructure networks such as roads, sewerage, electricity transmission, water reticulation and telecommunications have useful lives measured in decades."

The risks to them, and the resulting costs, could be avoided or reduced with proper planning.

Mr Logan said the amount of greenhouse gases already released meant the climate would continue to change for the next 30 to 40 years.

If no action were taken, New Zealand's energy-related greenhouse gas emissions were projected to increase by 30 per cent over the next 25 years, including a 45 per cent increase in transport emissions.

A clean, healthy environment would continue to be New Zealand's major competitive advantage, he said.

"New Zealand must be aware of the rising trend towards ethical consumerism that is affecting investment and consumer behaviour," he said.

"Issues such as fair trade, sustainable sourcing, humane treatment of animals and wise use of natural resources are factors in decisions to purchase particular products."

Mr Logan noted that Fonterra had initiated a Clean Streams Accord in partnership with central government and regional councils.

"More of these responses were needed to protect New Zealand's strategic advantage," he said.

- NZPA