Climate change edges its way into Waikato Regional Council's decision making
Climate change is taking its own seat at a Hamilton council chamber. Councillors at the Waikato Regional Council agreed on Thursday that an assessment of climate change implications would be included for consideration in all future reports. Each report will need to include a summary on how climate change has been considered in relation to reducing greenhouse gases and increasing resilience. It comes as the council future-proofs its programmes, actions and activities and is described by chair Russ Rimmington in a statement as ground-breaking. READ MORE: * Post-coronavirus perfect time for major shake-up of Wellington's local government, Dame Fran Wilde says * High E-coli levels rule out swimming at The Point, Ngaruawahia * Climate lens to examine major Government decisions Understanding the impact of climate change on our communities and economy, and making good decisions early, is key to ensuring a healthy environment, a strong economy and the safety of our communities. All decisions on investment in infrastructure and assets, community and corporate services, and access to natural and physical resources and space will be considered. Councillor Tipa Mahuta described climate change as a unique conversation of this generation and said the councils move meant we are now in the right conversation.