Author(s): Guinevere Nalder

Linked Author(s): Guinevere Nalder

Keywords: Climate change; New Zealand; Rivers; On site detention

Abstract: Climate change is a global phenomenon but its effects are local. This paper describes the expected effects in New Zealand. Modeling suggests that while there will be an increase in temperature across the whole country, the degree and season of the increase will vary with locality. The highest increase is expected to take place at high elevation with implications for glacier fed rivers in the South Island. In contrast precipitation is expected to increase in western areas of both islands, and to decrease in eastern areas. The different combinations of precipitation change and temperature increase are expected to lead to such problems as those of water quality, stress on riverine fauna, and flooding. This paper looks at some approaches to mitigating these effects in New Zealand.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3850/978-90-833476-1-5_iahr40wc-p1293-cd

Year: 2023