Climate change

A new report has outlined how gradual long-term warming of the waters around New Zealand, and an increase in short-term heat events, are likely under different greenhouse gas emission scenarios.

Global warming is changing how we monitor one of the world’s biggest climate drivers, says Earth Sciences New Zealand.

A new study shows a significant change in Antarctic phytoplankton over time that could cascade through the marine food web and affect the ocean’s capacity as a carbon sink. 

New high-resolution modelling predicts that rainfall from tropical cyclones will significantly increase under global warming.

NIWA are developing a modelling approach to better predict fish abundances in the past, to then be able to forecast fish abundances in the future under climate change and fishing scenarios

Seven nations sharing world’s longest mountain range already impacted by climate change

NIWA has developed an adaptation simulation game - Future Coasts Aotearoa - created to discover people’s behaviours and preferences on sea-level rise adaptation. 

Research projects carried out under the Future Coasts programme

See reports produced to guide potential adaptation strategies in the Lower Waikato region.

The Te Puuaha case study uses causal diagrams to show how sea level rise impacts whaanau wellbeing, helping identify areas for action.

A serious game simulating a coastal lowland scenario under climate change to support adaptation decision-making and community engagement.

Mapping migration space for coastal habitats under sea-level-rise