From 13-16 October, hundreds of scientists, policymakers, adaptation experts, and global leaders converged on Ōtautahi Christchurch for the largest ever climate event to be held in New Zealand: the Adaptation Futures Conference.
Alongside hosts the World Adaptation Science Programme and the University of Canterbury, Earth Sciences NZ was a proud sponsor of the conference which featured a strong Pacific focus.
Staff from across Earth Sciences NZ contributed to the conference, facilitating sessions and speaking on topics such as flood hazard risk, cyclone exposure, impact-based forecasting, mangrove loss, sea level rise, and human responses to change.
In one session, Earth Sciences Pou Whakarae Linda Faulkner teamed up with SPREP’s Traditional Knowledge Advisor Siosinamele Lui to facilitate dialogue on how traditional and indigenous knowledge can strengthen climate resilience in the Pacific and Aotearoa.
In addition, through the COSPPac project, Earth Sciences supported Mr Kotoni Fa’asau of the Samoa Meteorology Division to attend and present his poster on climate services for renewable energy generation in Samoa.
Reflecting on the Conference, Kotoni said,
“On a personal note, the opportunity to connect with so many like-minded individuals in one space was incredibly energizing. The networking alone — sharing ideas, building relationships, and learning from others — made the experience worthwhile. In my poster presentation, I have managed to gain so many new contacts in the same area of sector focus, and I thoroughly enjoyed sharing Samoa's context and learning about other areas of the world.”