The warming trend for Dunedin has actually been slightly lower than many parts of the world, at least until recent years. Motivated by these clear warming signals, a ‘‘climate emergency’’ was declared by the New Zealand government back in December 2020, with many other governments making similar judgements around that time. In fact, we are perilously close to exceeding the 1.5°C warming threshold, with 2024 slightly above this point, and 2023 and 2025 hovering just below. Time will tell exactly what happens, but for now, the warning signals are loud and clear. If, as looks increasingly likely, we do exceed 1.5°C warming, then what next?

Source: Otago Daily Times April 03, 2026 15:11 UTC