Auckland forecast to get hotter
Drought, extreme weather, ocean acidification predicted
A report released on 6 December reveals that the Auckland region’s climate will get hotter over the next 100 years.
If global emissions continue on the current path, the number of hot days, (days with temperatures above 25oC), could quadruple and average temperatures increase by up to 3.75oC by 2110.
Drought and more extreme bursts of rainfall are in the forecast, along with rising sea levels.
The health of our oceans is also under threat: ocean temperatures are increasing and ocean pH is decreasing, making our waters more acidic.
Auckland Council, Auckland Transport, Watercare and Panuku Development Auckland commissioned the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) to model and analyse Auckland-specific climate projections.
The work was commissioned to provide Auckland with the best, most detailed information on future projected changes for the region, both for decision making and to increase our understanding of risks, vulnerabilities and opportunities.
“Better information about how Auckland’s climate is changing will help Auckland make more effective decisions about our future,” says John Mauro, Auckland Council’s Chief Sustainability Officer.
“This means building improved resilience with every decision we make, like how we provide community services, when and where we develop our infrastructure, and how and when we make investments to generate better value for Aucklanders.”