"Towards Sustainability in a Warming World": Adapting to the Effects of Climate Change Through Mainstreaming Policy at the Kapiti Coast District Council

Abstract

The Kapiti Coast District Council faces increasing level of risk relating to the effects of climate change. Under the amended RMA, KCDC is legally obliged to have particular regard to the effects of climate change. The best avenue for KCDC to adapt to the effects of climate change is to concentrate on achieving the principles of sustainable development such as environmental, economic and social wellbeing. Climate change policy becomes more effective when embedded within broader strategies designed to make national and regional paths more sustainable. Mainstreaming allows climate change orientated policy to be implemented within existing management plans. The more that climate change issues become routine as part of the planning perspective at the appropriate level of implementation, the more likely they are to achieve the desired goal. KCDC needs to strike the right balance between precaution and caution with regard to climate change. KCDC will face a dilemma where long term planning for climate change is required, but forecasting uncertainty exists. The two most important vehicles for mainstreaming climate change policy at KCDC are the LTCCP review and the Coastal Strategy. Evoking the Policy of Significance regarding the effects of climate change, public consultation to raise awareness and education and an integrated approach will enable the best opportunity to achieve mainstreamed climate change policy at KCDC.