Environment Southland is keen to hear thoughts on climate change and its impact in Southland.
Environment Southland strategy, science and engagement general manager Rachael Millar said the Southland climate change perceptions community survey was available for anyone in the region to take part in.
She encouraged everyone to have their say.
It has been designed to help give the council and the community a better sense of people’s thinking around climate change, she said.
"We’re interested in people’s perceptions around how climate change is affecting them and their communities in Murihiku Southland. There’s questions around awareness, and how well informed people feel they are about the issues," she said.
A Southland climate change impact assessment prepared in 2018 found that over time, Southland will likely experience warmer weather all year round, summers will have more dry days and there will be extended periods of relatively higher temperatures.
Average annual rainfall is projected to increase, mostly in winter and spring, and is likely to occur in more intense events. Coastal flooding will likely increase with increasing incidents of tidal flooding even on fine days.
A wide range of scientific modelling work was under way to update and understand the regional situation in relation to climate change, she said.
Environment Southland is working collaboratively with mana whenua and the three other Southland councils to develop a regional response to climate change.
The results will help shape the development and implementation of Environment Southland’s climate change work programmes, she said.
The survey takes 5-10 minutes to complete and responses are confidential. Everyone who completes the survey is eligible to go into the draw for one of 10 $50 Prezzy Cards. The survey is open until October 16.
The survey can be found on the Environment Southland website.
