Climate: New Zealand’s sea level is rising faster than expected – World Today

Will the sea swallow Auckland and Wellington? Data collected along the New Zealand coast shows that some areas are already sinking by three to four millimeters a year, accelerating the alarming danger.

These projections are the result of an intense five-year research program – dubbed NZ SeaRise – carried out by dozens of national and international scientists and funded by the government.

According to their forecasts, the authorities have less time than expected to plan how to adapt to the consequences of climate change, in particular to resettle the population living along the coasts.

According to Tim Naish, a professor at the University of Wellington in Victoria who co-led the programme, if global sea levels rise by about half a meter by 2100

Global warming: Brittany has faced rising sea levels

This would be particularly disastrous for the capital, Wellington, which could see a sea level rise of 30 cm by 2040, which was not expected before 2060. Thus, every year Wellingtonians could be victims of damaging floods.

“We have less time to work, it’s a little intimidating,” said Tim Naish.

Data shows that the North Island’s most populous southeast coast is the most exposed.

With a population of 1.7 million, the largest city in the country, Auckland is particularly vulnerable. Sea levels are expected to rise 50% faster on the downtown waterfront and in many suburbs, which will have a significant impact on home prices and insurance premiums.

Anticipate moving

NZ SeaRise has developed an online tool for residents and authorities to check the forecasts for their area, so they can assess flood and erosion risks.

“We still have time, but we no longer have time to sit idly by,” said Tim Naish, calling on elected officials and promoters to immobilize and think about how best to adapt to this rising sea level situation.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said planning was already under way, including preparing the budget to move some residents and infrastructure away from vulnerable beaches.

“The first thing is not to abdicate because there are a series of options that can be implemented,” she told Radio New Zealand. We are working with local authorities and insurers to determine who should bear the costs of some of these options because they should not be the responsibility of one party. »

Jacinda Ardern has called on New Zealanders to do everything they can to reduce emissions and limit the consequences of climate change.