How will climate change affect Hamilton?

The climate in our city is already changing, including longer summers, warmer temperatures, extreme rainfall, and drought. Climate modelling shows that for Hamilton Kirikiriroa, we’ll experience:

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More extreme rainfall

 This can lead to: 

– more damage to our roads and footpaths

– flooding of sports fields and parks

– being harder to insure your home

– water runoff degrading the Waikato River

– potential need to evacuate due to flooding. 

Check out Floodviewer to see how your home could be impacted by extreme flooding events.

 

Floodviewer

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More hotter days and nights

This can lead to: 

– limited access to water and ongoing restrictions

– increased food costs  

– health impacts, like heatstroke and dehydration 

– increased bills for cooling your home 

– new pests and diseases 

– difficulty to enjoy our outdoor spaces 

– reduced water quality in the awa (river).

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Increase in drought conditions

This can lead to: 

ongoing water restrictions 

increased risks of wildfires 

more damage to infrastructure 

loss of biodiversity 

erosion along our gullies 

impacts for businesses that require water. 

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Last updated 24 January 2025