Impacts
Ngā pānga
Queenstown Lakes can expect significant changes to our district's climate which will impact our environment and way of life.
-
We are likely to see more extreme rainfall and increased risk of landslides, flooding, erosion, heatwaves, and wildfire.
-
Rain that would previously have fallen as snow will fall more often as rain and spring snowmelt may occur earlier in the season.
We will also see changes to our native flora and fauna, and the types of pest and crop diseases. Which crops can be grown will also be affected. Rising temperatures may extend the breeding season of predators, like possums, which will in turn threaten our native birds.By 2100, on average, there will be up to 60 more 'summer days' each year, with temperatures reaching above 25°C. Winter's highest daily maximum temperatures will increase by 5-7°C depending on location. We're likely to see more heat stress from heatwaves affecting plant, animal and human health.
As climate change impacts upon other regions, we may see inward migration into our district. Comparatively, life in Aotearoa could be far preferable for many global citizens, so it is likely that we will see an increase in migration to our country, and our district.
-
-
Our climate is likely to change in the following ways.
The district is likely to warm by several degrees, with a projected increase in some areas of up to 7°C.
It will also get warmer over the winter months with the seasonal lowest minimum temperatures increasing by 2-3°C.
Winter’s highest daily maximum temperatures will increase by 5-7°C depending on location.
Rainfall distribution and intensity is likely to change, with a greater likelihood of more extreme rainfall events.
A considerable reduction in mountain snowpack and resultant water storage, with snowmelt occurring earlier in each season. This will lead to a reduction in the volume of water through the spring melt season in addition to a variability in freeze-thaws.
On average, there will be about 12-64 fewer frost days, and up to 60 more ‘summer days’ each year (i.e. a daily maximum temperature above 25°C).
Precipitation that would previously have fallen as snow and stored in the snowpack will more likely fall more often as rain and contribute to variability in river flows and lake levels.
Precipitation that would previously have fallen as snow and stored in the snowpack will more likely fall more often as rain and contribute to variability in river flows and lake levels.
-
Explore More...
-
Climate Change
Climate change will significantly impact our district’s climate, our environment and way of life.
-
Challenges
Responding to climate change isn't always easy.
-
Our Goals
We have three key goals as part of tackling this challenge.
-
Our Plan
In 2019 we declared a climate and ecological emergency.
-