An Environment Southland survey has showed that 60% of Southland residents are concerned about climate issues and more than half think councils need to do more.
The survey examined how people across the region perceived climate-related change, their level of concern and what encouraged/discouraged them to act.
Conducted online between November to December last year, the survey had 509 participants and results indicated that more than 60% of respondents were concerned about current climate impacts.
Environment Southland general manager community and engagement Sam Rosstier-Stead also said that "64% were concerned about future impacts".
"This indicates that many Southlanders are aware of the impacts of a changing climate in Southland and that they are prepared to change habits to help make a difference."
Some participants are already making an effort to reduce impacts with 44% growing food, 43% reducing waste, 40% shopping locally and 36% reducing household energy use.
Barriers of action included cost of living, the price of alternatives and limited number of transport options.
Meanwhile, factors to encourage action were improved infrastructure (cycling paths and public transport) and financial incentives.
Items of most concern were reported as disruption to infrastructure, impacts on water quality and availability, insurance costs and more frequent or severe flooding.
The survey also showed there was more work needed to engage residents with climate information.
"The key finding will be a useful gauge of where people are at around the challenges and opportunities of a changing climate."
Just over half of respondents believed Southland councils need to do more regarding climate issues and 55% were aware that Murihiku Southland had adopted a regional climate change strategy.
Working towards a regional climate action plan will be a large focus for the Regional Climate Change Working Group (RCCWG) in 2026.
This group consists of Environment Southland, Southland district council, Gore District Council, Invercargill City Council and Te Ao Mārama.
The full survey report can be found on the Environment Southland website. — Allied Media
