Saunders WSA, Kelly SD, Scheele FR, Coomer MA, Thomas K-L. 2020. The canary in the community: do surf life saving clubs have a role in community adaptation to climate change? Lower Hutt (NZ): GNS Science. 88 p. (GNS Science report 2020/19.). doi:10.21420/4R0G-QZ35.
Abstract:
Surf life saving clubs (SLSCs) around New Zealand are at the frontline of the coastal interface. Sea-level rise around New Zealand is in the order of 1.8 mm per year over the last 100 years (up to 2015) (Ministry for the Environment 2017), and, with significant historical investment in the coastal environment, SLSCs have inadvertently become ‘the canary in the community’ for sea-level rise and the associated effects of climate change on the coastal interface. The purpose of this scoping study was to test the hypothesis that SLSCs are the canaries in the community and to instigate wider community adaptation initiatives. This project had three key objectives:
1. To assess the exposure of the 74 SLSCs around New Zealand to coastal inundation.
2. To understand individual SLSCs’ understanding and perceptions of risk, adaptation options, and community response (including a review of district plan provisions for climate change adaptation policies and flexibility.
3. To undertake a case study of three SLSCs to understand their detailed issues and options, including those for the wider community. (auth)
