Sea warning for developers

Developers must seriously consider the risks of climate change on coastal development, says a leading NZ climate scientist.

Dr Jim Salinger, a contributor to the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), says New Zealand and Australia could experience sea level rises 25 per cent higher than the global average, meaning the oceans could be up to 80cm higher in 2100.

Storms and coastal flooding were also likely to be more frequent and more severe. Dr Salinger will today unveil the latest findings of the IPCC.

* Full details on nzherald.co.nz when the IPCC report is released later today.