Aotearoa is already experiencing the unavoidable effects of climate change. However, the severity with which we will feel climate change impacts can be lessened if we do all we can to limit warming and act now to adapt, live and thrive in a more damaging climate.

Climate change is increasing temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, causing sea levels to rise, and exacerbating natural hazards such as flooding, erosion and drought. The weather is more turbulent and less predictable. This disrupts the things needed for life to run smoothly, like roads, drains, water supplies, buildings and even people's health. These disruptions can cost financially. They can also increase existing inequities for Maori, Pasifika, women, disabled people and older people.

The national adaptation plan (NAP) considers the impacts of climate change now and into the future and it sets out how New Zealand will adapt.

The NAP has over 120 actions and responds to risks raised in the climate change risk assessment in 2020. Several actions to address these risks are already underway.