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🌡️ Climate Change in Aotearoa

Te Hurihanga Āhuarangi — Understanding Our Changing Climate

🌍 The Science is Clear

Climate change is happening, it's caused by human activities, and it will significantly affect Aotearoa. Understanding the science helps us take action — both to reduce emissions and adapt to changes already underway.

+1.1°C

Global warming since 1850

+1.2°C

NZ warming since 1909

23cm

Sea level rise since 1900

🔬 How Climate Change Works

The Greenhouse Effect

  1. Sunlight passes through the atmosphere and warms Earth
  2. Earth radiates heat back toward space
  3. Greenhouse gases (CO₂, methane) trap some of this heat
  4. This is natural and keeps Earth warm enough for life
  5. BUT: Humans are adding extra greenhouse gases
  6. More gases = more trapped heat = warmer planet

Main Causes

  • 🔥 Burning fossil fuels — cars, power plants, industry
  • 🐄 Agriculture — methane from livestock, fertilizer use
  • 🌲 Deforestation — fewer trees to absorb CO₂
  • 🏭 Industrial processes — cement, steel production

🇳🇿 Impacts on Aotearoa

🌊

Rising Sea Levels

Many NZ cities are coastal. Rising seas threaten flooding, erosion, and infrastructure damage.

🌧️

Extreme Weather

More intense storms, droughts, and floods. Cyclone Gabrielle (2023) showed the risks.

🏔️

Melting Glaciers

NZ glaciers have lost 30% of their ice. This affects water supply and tourism.

🦎

Ecosystem Changes

Species may not adapt fast enough. Some pests may spread to new areas.

🌿 Te Ao Māori & Climate

Māori Climate Knowledge

  • Environmental indicators — Traditional knowledge tracks changes in seasons, species
  • Kaitiakitanga — Guardianship requires addressing climate threats
  • Mauri — Climate change harms the life force of ecosystems
  • Impacts on mahinga kai — Traditional food sources affected
  • Coastal pā and urupā — Rising seas threaten sacred sites

💡 What Can We Do?

Mitigation — Reducing Emissions

  • 🚲 Walk, cycle, or use public transport
  • ⚡ Use renewable energy
  • 🥗 Eat less meat, reduce food waste
  • 🌲 Plant native trees
  • 🗳️ Vote for climate action

Adaptation — Preparing for Change

  • Move infrastructure away from risky areas
  • Build flood defenses and drainage
  • Develop drought-resistant crops
  • Protect and restore ecosystems

✏️ Activities

Activity: Carbon Footprint

Estimate your household's carbon footprint by considering:

  • Transport (car, flights)
  • Energy use at home
  • Diet (meat vs. plant-based)
  • Consumption (buying new things)

What could you change to reduce emissions?

Three actions I could take:

👩‍🏫 Teacher Notes

Curriculum Links

  • Science: Planet Earth — climate, atmosphere
  • Geography: Environmental change
  • Social Studies: Sustainability, decision-making