Climate Change Information Evenings
Two information evenings next week will set the scene for the development of the Waimate District’s climate resilience strategy.
The two sessions, at the Waimate High School Hall, involve a wide range of speakers and perspectives on the impacts of climate change in the district.
The theme for the first evening on Tuesday is science, culture, and youth. There will be speakers representing ECan, FENZ, Waimate High School and Te Runanga o Waihao.
The Thursday event will focus on economic perspectives, with speakers from Fonterra, ANZ Bank, Silver Fern Farms, Alpine Energy, the Hakataramea Sustainability Collective and South Canterbury Catchment Collective.
Waimate District Council climate change officer Andrew Oliver said these forums have been designed to give the community as much information as possible. The aim is to provide information for our community to be able to make informed decisions ahead of the seven action plan workshops which are timetabled throughout the year.
Andrew said it was pleasing to see such a high calibre and wide range of speakers share their time and knowledge.
“People are beginning to realise climate change is more than just the science, we are already starting to see businesses account for climate change in their future forecasting,” he said.
“In terms of the economic perspectives, the presenters represent businesses who are key economic players in the district. The way they adapt to climate change will have a very real impact on our lives moving forward.
“This is about getting as many local people as possible together to make sure the strategy we end up developing is the best fit for our district.
“If you have ever questioned climate change, have questions about it, or are generally curious about the bigger picture, these evenings are for you.”
Both the Tuesday and Thursday information evenings will be held at the Waimate High School Hall at 6pm.