The region spends $135b on defence - but just 1.5b on climate mitigation.

NZ now losing nearly 200m tonnes of soil each year, with consequences for our environment.

Ancient kauri trees are helping us understand how forests might fare in future droughts.

I had read online about a device called Fly-Tot.

Cape Town, South Africa's second-largest city, is suffering from a severe water shortage.

The message sends hope that by 2060 our climate is not in a state of disarray.

A "trifecta" of big drivers combined to make this summer what will be NZ's hottest ever.

The last time summer was running this hot, Nazis ran Germany. What's been the difference?

Climate scientist Dr James Renwick says time's running out to avoid the worst of warming.

Climate change a bigger migration factor than income and freedom combined, NZ study finds.

NZ is unlikely to see anything as hellish as 50C days warned for Melbourne and Sydney.

Where do political parties stand on science funding and natural hazards?

Damaging, extreme El Nino events will likely become twice as common under climate change.

Two Waikato University researchers discuss what Kiwis think about climate change.

As climate changes, so does the frequency and magnitude of floods and droughts.

Food crises are erupting across Africa and there is no money to fight it.

Rain has brought relief to drought-stricken South Island farmers.

Scientists invented a water harvester that could consign droughts to history.

COMMENT: Figures released last month by Niwa show that 2016 was the hottest year on record for New Zealand, with record or near-record breaking temperatures for many locations, writes Adelia Hallett.

Rain is one the way at last for some of the driest parts of New Zealand.

Farmers needed serious rain - up to 100mm - but there was none on the horizon and soil moisture levels across Northland were extremely low.

COMMENT: Storms, high winds, heavy rain and even ice... What has happened to summer and will it improve. WeatherWatch head analyst Phil Duncan explains.

Climate change scientists have projected continued global greenhouse gas emissions would heat Northland heat up more than other regions

Dr Brett Mullan of the National Institute of Water and Atmosphere (NIWA) explains our holiday season weather and warming world.

El Nino is technically past its peak, but the true impact of the weather pattern looks likely to play out over the next few months.

The current El Nino weather pattern will make its presence felt on the agriculture sector if it leads to drought, but it will not be enough to tip the country into recession.

Summer's El Nino weather pattern may be good news for barbecues and backyard cricket, but farmers and firefighters are preparing to battle drought and wildfires.

This year's El Nino weather pattern is shaping up to be one of the strongest, if not the strongest, on record - bringing with it an elevated risk of drought.

Support for the drought-affected eastern South Island has been extended, and an extra $100,000 has been granted to help struggling farmers.

The controversial $275 million Ruataniwha water storage scheme in Hawkes Bay is a step closer after the High Court said no appeals had been lodged in the consent process.