New report provides update on our atmosphere and climate
Our Atmosphere and Climate 2026 brings together data, indicators and scientific evidence from across New Zealand to provide an independent picture of how the climate is changing, and what those changes mean for people, places and ecosystems.
Our changing climate
New Zealand’s climate is changing, with observed shifts in temperature, rainfall patterns, extreme weather, and other climate-related indicators.
“This report brings together data, indicators and scientific evidence of climate-related changes already being observed across New Zealand,” says MCERT Chief Science Advisor Dr Alison Collins.
“It outlines how rising greenhouse gases and global temperatures are contributing to environmental changes, while impacting the places we live, how people and goods move, and how cities and regions are built.”
What these changes mean
Our Atmosphere and Climate 2026 examines how changing climate conditions can affect ecosystems, infrastructure, services and communities.
“New Zealand's communities, infrastructure and industries have developed around a particular range of climate conditions. As those conditions change, the report highlights the effects on ecosystems, infrastructure, services and the places people live, work and travel,” says Alison Collins.
For example, climate-related disasters can disrupt infrastructure, transport networks and services that communities rely on.
Why reports like this matter
“Environmental reporting provides a shared and trusted picture of what is changing in New Zealand’s environment,” says Alison Collins.
“By bringing together data, indicators, and scientific evidence from across the country, reports like this help build our understanding of emerging trends, pressures and their consequences.
"Good decisions depend on understanding what is changing around us. Environmental reporting helps provide that understanding by making evidence accessible, transparent and available to everyone.”