Our climate change response

Climate change is a complex issue, which means we can’t solve it with just one solution. We must reduce our emissions, but it’s equally important that we prepare for the changes that are already locked in.

This is our long-term strategy to address climate change. It sets the vision for Hamilton as a thriving, low-carbon city that responds and adapts to climate change. It outlines the emissions targets we’ve set for our city and Council operations and the three key outcomes we are seeking to achieve: 

1. By acting together, our emissions are reducing.
2. Our neighbourhoods enable low-carbon living.
3. Our city is ready for Hamilton’s climate. 

Key actions have been implemented to improve our response to climate change.  

• Council’s emissions are down 20% since 2018.  
• We are supporting our community and businesses in their climate action.  
• A climate change risk assessment for Council operations has been completed.  
• Flood mapping has been completed for 90% of the city. 

Our Climate Statement 2023/24 is Hamilton City Council’s first climate change disclosure report. It is the start of our wider, ongoing climate change maturity work which looks at how well we are integrating our climate change response across our organisation.  

Completing climate change disclosure reports drives a better response to the climate change risks across the organisation and provides an update on how well we’re prepared for the transition to a low-carbon and climate resilient future.

Read Our Climate Statement here

The Climate Change Policy is a commitment to embedding climate change impacts into Council decision-making, projects and business cases. It means that when we start a new piece of work, we’ll assess whether it will increase or decrease our emissions, and whether it could be impacted by our need to adapt to the climate risks ahead.

Read our climate change policy here

Find out about Hamilton's emissions