Adapting to climate change is a journey we must all take: our people, our economy, and our government. Adaptation is about communities, and also about economics and the environment.
Businesses
If we do what we have always done, we will get what we have always got.
New Zealand’s business models are generally conservative, and our national market(s) relatively small. This can foster anti-competitive behaviour, where businesses passively or actively collude to keep prices high and competition limited.
While this can lead to high profits for some businesses, it hurt consumers, especially middle- and lower-income people; as people become increasingly disadvantaged, this has ripple effects into the wider economy, weakening it. The situation is unsustainable for both business and consumers.
Businesses must adapt to climate chane, whether it involves changing markets or business requirements. This could mean changing current practices, or exploring new opportunities. We work with businesses to identify their goals, understand what adapting to climate change means for them, and explore the opportunities it brings.
We address specific issues from both technical and market perspetives, through an adaptation lens. This often leads to new introductions, business opportunities, and the creation of new enterprises.
Our role also involves facilitating technology tranfer in New Zealand and connecting the right people, organisations and business to make these developments market ready. This is also a crucial part of our research activities.
Our work in this area is on a consultancy basis. We welcome conversations – please contact us.
Communities and people
Adaptation is the process of adjusting to our current and predicted climate, and its effects. In human systems, adaptation aims to reduce harms, avoid risks, and seize beneficial opportunities.
Communities and individuals have the opportunity to be the authors of their own stories, and the architects of their futures. We have deep connections to the places we call home, many of which have only recently started recognising climate change as a pressing and urgent issue. Despite varying levels of awareness and action, most communities face some degree of risk and real impact – as we see in New Zealand news reports increasingly frequently.
As we recognise our increasing exposure to climate change impacts, and consider what actions to take, it’s important to approach all communities with compassion and respect. We are all influenced by decisions made in the past; the challenge and opportunity is what decisions to take now, to protect our present and future.
Adaptation conversations can provide opportunities to influence our present and future. When done well, the adaptation process can also enhance social justice and equity. We walk alongside communities on their adaptation journeys because action is urgent; with proactive measures the consequences can be dire, including homes falling off cliffs or being washed away, entire communities facing ongoing and increasing damage, multiple health and socioeconomic effects, and more.
Our work in this area is pro-bono, and dedicated to supporting communities to navigate these challenges and opportunities, and build resilient futures. We talk with communities on a confidential basis, and help where we’re able.
We can talk with both communities and local government to help facilitate outcomes acceptable to both.
Our website also contains help on specific local and national climate issues and policies.
Together, we have the potential to remake our society for future generations.
Read more about adaptation approaches
See our projects, submissions, technical assistance and publications
Government and organisations
Our primary work with government focuses on local government. We facilitate conversations between local government and communities about climate change adaptation. We also advise local government on technical aspects related to changing climates and environments.
At the central government level, our efforts are geared towards economics and market adaptation. We aim to evolve our national market(s) by promoting economic and environmental sustainability within major sectors and among key players.
We also submit to relevant select committees.
Brighton Observatory of Environment & Economics Trust 