Photo: Dunedin City Council
Sea levels are rising twice as fast as thought in New Zealand, significantly reducing the amount of time authorities have to respond. But there's a new weapon in regional and unitary councils' armoury to combat the pressures on communities of climate change, as well as for managing land, air, and water resources. The sector's inaugural Chief Science Advisor is Dr Chris Daughney. Te Uru Kahika created this role in recognition of increased pressure on local and regional government from sea level rise, among other pressing environmental issues. Kathryn speaks with Dr Daughney, who is also Chief Science advisor at NIWA.
