The IPCC Report - How to expect the ‘unexpected’

[blog post from 2022]

The IPCC released it’s sixth report recently and it was every bit as scary and damning as I expected it to be. Climate risks are projected to increase for a wide range of systems, sectors and communities, which are exacerbated by underlying vulnerabilities and exposures (high confidence) (IPCC Report, 2022)

For us in Australasia, there were nine key risks identified {ES-Ch11}:

Loss and degradation of coral reefs and associated biodiversity and ecosystem service values in Australia due to ocean warming and marine heatwaves (very high confidence)

Loss of alpine biodiversity in Australia due to less snow (high confidence)

Transition or collapse of alpine ash, snowgum woodland, pencil pine and northern jarrah forests in southern Australia due to hotter and drier conditions with more fires (high confidence)

Loss of kelp forests in southern Australia and southeast New Zealand due to ocean warming, marine heatwaves and overgrazing by climate-driven range extensions of herbivore fish and urchins (high confidence)

Loss of natural and human systems in low-lying coastal areas due to sea-level rise (high confidence)

Disruption and decline in agricultural production and increased stress in rural communities in south-western, southern and easternmainland Australia due to hotter and drier conditions (high confidence)

Increase in heat-related mortality and morbidity for people and wildlife in Australia due to heatwaves (high confidence)

Cascading, compounding and aggregate impacts on cities, settlements, infrastructure, supply-chains and services due to wildfires, floods, droughts, heatwaves, storms and sea-level rise (high confidence)

Inability of institutions and governance systems to manage climate risks (high confidence).

This report is designed to highlight the reality of climate change and the impacts we need to be prepared for. Now is our time to make big changes, collaborate as a planet and make the changes we need to see. You know, BE the change you want to see. But it’s difficult when you’re walking to work an extra day a week, buying responsibly and reducing your own carbon footprint when we have countries at war, HUGE emitters continuing their business as usual and so many people either being ignorant, or wilfully ignorant (which in my opinion is way worse). 

However, in our little piece of paradise at the bottom of the world, we can continue to make those changes to our lifestyles whilst preparing for some of the impacts. With most things, preparation is key (this takes me back to the days that the phone books had natural disaster instructions on the inside cover)

Here are our 5 things to consider when preparing for the impacts of climate change: 

1.    Assess what the greatest risk to you and your whanau and whare is (flooding, bushfires, power outages, drought, erosion, sea level rise, earthquake). 

2.    Make a plan for when and how you will respond if that risk manifests. Grab bags sound a bit outrageous but are really great in the event you and your family need to evacuate quickly. Have a plan of where you will go and who you need to contact.

3.    Pack a grab bag and a box of non-perishable kai and leave it somewhere safe (the garage, garden shed, laundry, closet). Pack light, but be smart. 

4.    If you can limit the risk (erosion by planting or bush fire by keeping trees trimmed for example) then take steps to ensure you do this regularly. 

5.    Put money aside for an emergency. Financially safeguarding yourself so you can travel if you need to will ease your mind about any big event that forces you out of your home or neighbourhood. 

These things are often overlooked when we’re getting caught up in our day to day lives but all it takes is a bit of time and effort to make sure you’re ready to go if you need to. We can’t completely rely on governments, councils, NGOs or corporates to look after us and the best way to be prepared is to do it yourself. 

If you have any questions or need help assessing and understanding the risks to you and how you need to prepare, let us know – we’re here to help you.