Explore historical and projected climate data, climate data by sector, impacts, key vulnerabilities and what adaptation measures are being taken. Explore the overview for a general context of how climate change is affecting New Zealand.
New Zealand is a long, narrow and mountainous country. It consists of two large islands that are located in the southwest Pacific Ocean between 33° and 47° S latitude. New Zealand has a combined land area of around 27 million hectares and a coastline of 17,200 km. Grassland for agriculture, natural forest and plantation forestry form New Zealand’s main land cover (55% of total land use). New Zealand’s population was 4.8 million in 2017. New Zealand’s population density is relatively low. In 2017, New Zealand’s GDP amounted to $168 billion and GDP per capita (PPP) was $39,000. The economy is based on the provision of services (the manufacturing and primary sectors). The primary sector (agricultural, horticultural, forestry, mining and fishing industries) plays a fundamental role in the export sector and in employment. New Zealand has climate zones ranging from subtropical to subantarctic. The climate is heavily influenced by New Zealand’s location in a latitudinal zone with prevailing westerly winds and by the surrounding ocean. It is also influenced by mountain chains that modify the weather systems as they sweep eastward. This leads to more rainfall in the west and drier conditions in the east Seventh National Communication, 2017). New Zealand has ratified the Paris Agreement and committed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 30% below 2005 levels by 2030 (Nationally Determined Contribution, 2016).
The section provides access to historical climate datasets for both temperature and precipitation from 1900 to 2016.
The section provides access to future climate datasets for both temperature and precipitation and their statistical derivatives for various timeframes and emission scenarios from 2020 to 2099.
The section provides access to future climate datasets for both temperature and precipitation and their statistical derivatives for various timeframes and emission scenarios from 2020 to 2099.
This section contains information from multiple climate indicators and indices relevant for key economic sectors. Simple narratives can help you interpret and extract summaries of potential climate change impacts at the sector level.
Explore furtherThis section allows you to explore the susceptibility of livelihoods and natural systems to impacts from climate variability and change and facilitate the exploration of socioeconomic and development data and its relationships with natural hazards vulnerable areas.
Explore furtherThis section allows you to explore the climate information from multiple climate indicators and present them with simple, embedded interpretation for an informative, high-level summary of the potential for future climate change impacts on key socioeconomic sectors.
Explore furtherThis section helps you grasp key national adaptation policies and reports, explore options for key sectors, and understand current adaptation gaps and needs for enhanced climate smart planning.
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