Climate change is real, urgent & catastrophic. The impacts, including fierce storms, droughts, floods and sea level rise are already being felt around the world.That is why we've been fighting the fossil fuel companies because you've got to tackle the problem at its source. Flirting around the edges will achieve little.In an effort to anticipate the changes that are already locked in I've produced this animation to show the effect of the sea level rise in my tribal district that we can expect over the coming years.What we can deduce from this mapping project is the extent of local infra structure like roading, bridges wharves etc that will be affected, also the economic impact of loss of productive land and businesses. In addition we see where we should not commit to any new development.And we can assess the impact to the cultural landscape including wahi tapu and urupa plus other sites of significance. Finally we can figure whose properties will be at risk and then make some decisions about what is feasible to relocate and start to plan tor that eventuality.These are very difficult discussion to have and solutions will not be easy so the longer the lead time to consider these matters the better.Mike Smith

Posted by Mike Smith on Sunday, 23 September 2018