What is climate change?

Climate change describes how the average weather patterns are changing, and extreme weather events becoming more intense, and more common. Climate change is caused by the emission of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane. 

We know we need to reduce our emissions to slow climate change, but we also need to be prepared for the changes in our weather that are coming. 

How will it affect us in Hamilton?

We’ve commissioned climate modelling to find out what to expect in Hamilton Kirikiriroa. These are just some of the impacts we might see in our city.  

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More rain, and more extreme rain

This can lead to:

  • more flooding events on our roads
  • flooding of sports fields and parks
  • it being harder to insure your home
  • water runoff degrading the Waikato River
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Hotter days, hotter nights

This can lead to:

  • new pests and diseases
  • a decline in native wildlife
  • exacerbating people’s health problems
  • it being harder to enjoy our outdoor spaces
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More hot days

This can lead to:

  • impacts to our food growing
  • limited access to water and ongoing restrictions
  • increased bills for cooling your home

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Last updated 2 October 2023