Kathmandu. The New Zealand government’s recently released National Adaptation Framework marks a new chapter in the country’s climate adaptation policy.
The Insurance Council of New Zealand, the representative body of the insurance industry, described the initiative as an important and necessary first step. According to the Council, this framework will lead the country towards long-term climate change resilience and ensure accessible, affordable and sustainable insurance services for citizens.
Chris Faafoi, the council’s chief executive, said the framework “clearly and effectively sets out the government’s plans to address climate risks”. “It shows how federal governments, local governments, the private sector and communities can work together to mitigate climate-related risks,” she said. “Better understanding of natural disaster risk, transparency in responsibility sharing, and investment in risk mitigation will put New Zealand on the path to climate resilience. ’
Citing recent extreme weather events in the North Island, Faafoi said dealing with the consequences of disasters was difficult and costly. “The most effective course of action, therefore, is to prepare ahead and invest in mitigating risks,” she said. ’
Under the new framework, every local council in New Zealand will be required to develop an adaptation plan for the next three decades. This will include climate-related risks, potential damage, mitigation measures, funding sources and implementation strategies. These plans will need to be implemented effectively, especially in coastal and flood-prone areas.
According to Faafoe, this initiative will increase local adaptability. However, councils need policies, guidance and effective tools to enable them to implement plans faster.
Fafoi also warned that the longer the climate adaptation is delayed, the greater the damage will be. “Some vulnerable communities are already suffering repeated losses,” she said, adding that they don’t want to see plans for years to come, infrastructure development and preparedness work needs to start immediately. ’
