Our Atmosphere and Climate 2020, which includes analysis of temperature data from 30 sites around the country, shows the climate is warming, with every site recording increasing winter average temperatures.
It details an increase in extreme weather events, including rainfall, heatwaves and dry spells, with the number of frost days decreasing in some areas.
Changes to NZ’s climate mirror those happening around the world.
MfE chief executive Vicky Robertson says both local and global action is needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the resulting impacts on society’s future wellbeing.
“Covid reminded us that large-scale disruption to our lives can be abrupt, unwanted and unforeseen, and that some people, places and sectors are likely to be disproportionately affected,” she said.
“Climate change is here to stay, but the window to create the best possible future for our young people and their children’s children is closing.”
The report acknowledges agriculture’s role in producing short-lived greenhouse gases such as methane, which is estimated to last 12 years in the atmosphere, but it discusses in-depth the effect of long-lasting gases such as carbon dioxide, which can stay in the atmosphere for thousands of years.
Road transport made up 43% of NZ’s gross carbon dioxide emissions in 2018, with vehicle preferences affecting the rate of emissions.
Light commercial vehicles such as utes, SUVs and vans, made up 16% of the light vehicle fleet in 2018, 75% of which run on diesel.
These larger, heavier vehicles are increasingly popular, while sales of smaller petrol-engined vehicles show a corresponding decline.
That means transport emissions are not reducing despite improvements in engine technology.
On top of that commercial vehicles, especially those that run on diesel, generally travel much further than their petrol equivalents, particularly in the first 10 years when an average diesel vehicle travels 30% further.
GNS Science radiocarbon science leader Dr Jocelyn Turnbull welcomed the report, saying it contains information on how and where people can focus their efforts to cut emissions.
“One example is that while road transport accounts for around 20% of New Zealand’s overall emissions, for most households transport makes up around 90% of their personal emissions,” she said.
That’s good news, because this is a problem that we can solve.
“With our highly renewable electricity network, switching to electric vehicles immediately reduces NZ’s emissions,” she said.
“Active and public transport and working from home are all ways that each of us can reduce our time spent stuck in traffic and help the climate at the same time.”
University of Canterbury School of Earth and Environment professor Simon Kingham says the report emphasises the need to find ways to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases from transport.
He says options include travelling less, using alternative modes of transport and changing fuel types.
“The covid-19 pandemic has shown that some people can work at home effectively and reduce travel. People may also choose to live closer to their regular destinations such as the workplace, and/or buy more locally produced goods and services,” he said.
Kingham says using alternative means of transport, such as public transport, or for freight rail and coastal shipping, only works when investment in those modes is supported.
Although the number of electric vehicles (EVs) on NZ roads is increasing, he says it’s not happening fast enough.
“Perhaps now is the time to look at whether we can pass on the full and true costs of transport, including greenhouse gas emissions, to consumers,” he said.
