An action plan to combat climate change and sea level rise

With our correspondent in Wellington, Richard Tendler

In New Zealand, one in seven people live in an area potentially prone to flooding. On Wellington’s south coast, residents of Ohero Bay, who live facing the sea, frequently experience flooding due to high tides.

Hence James Shaw, New Zealand’s Minister for Climate Change, announced to the press the key measures of this plan: ” There is a lot of work to be done for the country. It’s not just about reducing our carbon dioxide emissions. One of the important points of this adaptation plan will be, in the near future, more guidance on the location of house constructions. »

So what to do with the 70,000 homes across the country at risk from rising waters? The government will provide assistance to residents to move or raise their homes on stilts.

Also read: A study warns that sea levels in New Zealand are rising faster than expected

Population abstract chart

But for Eugene Doyle, a resident of this vulnerable area of ​​Wellington, the plan remains abstract. ” I don’t think we should go up higher hills, He said. We protect what can be protected and keep communities together. Still a long term plan. But show us the money and tell us how we’re going to do it now ! »

An island nation, New Zealand is largely built along its coasts, housing at risk which represents a total value of €600 million. Despite these efforts and this plan of action, New Zealand will inevitably see a sea level rise of 30 cm by 2060.