Key Takeaways:
- New Zealand is prone to landslides due to its location on a tectonic boundary and maritime climate with high rainfall.
- Global warming is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of storms, leading to more landslides and associated risks.
- Human activities such as deforestation and altering slopes for transport and housing have contributed to the country’s vulnerability to landslides.
- Experts emphasize the need for better planning, mapping, and adaptation strategies to mitigate the risks associated with landslides.
- The recent landslide tragedies in the North Island have sparked a national conversation about climate change and disaster risk management.
Introduction to Landslides in New Zealand
New Zealand is a country that is no stranger to natural disasters, with landslides being one of the most significant threats to its population. With a history of over 1,800 deaths since written records began, landslides are the country’s most deadly natural hazard, surpassing earthquakes and volcanoes combined. The country’s unique geography, with its location on a tectonic boundary and maritime climate with high rainfall, makes it prone to landslides. The recent series of tropical storms that swept through the North Island, bringing torrential rain and causing two fatal landslides, has highlighted the need for better preparedness and adaptation strategies to mitigate the risks associated with landslides.
The Role of Human Activities in Landslide Risk
Human activities have played a significant role in increasing the risk of landslides in New Zealand. Deforestation, cutting into slopes for transport and housing, and other land-use changes have reshaped the landscape, making it more vulnerable to landslides. According to Professor Martin Brook, professor of applied geology at the University of Auckland, "Land use change has been so profound, that we just aren’t resilient." While mapping landslide susceptibility in regions has increased, the next step would be to use that data to better inform planning decisions. This highlights the need for a more integrated approach to land-use planning, taking into account the potential risks associated with landslides.
The Impact of Global Warming on Landslides
Global warming is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of storms, which can trigger landslides. Dr. Thomas Robinson, senior lecturer in disaster risk and resilience at the University of Canterbury, notes that "the more we have intense storms, the more frequently they occur, the more landslides we’re going to have, and then the more impacts we’re going to experience." The recent storms in New Zealand, including Cyclone Gabrielle, which caused roughly 800,000 landslides, have demonstrated the devastating impact of extreme weather events on the country. The increasing frequency and severity of such events highlight the need for urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the changing climate.
The Need for a National Conversation on Climate Change
The recent landslide tragedies in the North Island have sparked a national conversation about climate change and disaster risk management. Professor James Renwick, professor of climate science at Victoria University of Wellington, emphasizes the need to stop adding carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases to the air to prevent such events from becoming worse. The government’s climate change policy, which includes slashing targets for reducing emissions, has been criticized by opposition leaders, who argue that it is not doing enough to address the challenge of climate change. The debate highlights the need for a more comprehensive and coordinated approach to addressing the risks associated with climate change.
The Response to the Recent Landslide Tragedies
The recent landslide tragedies in the North Island have prompted a response from local authorities, with the Tauranga city council ordering a local inquiry into the Mount Maunganui event. The prime minister is also seeking advice on a government inquiry, after questions emerged over whether local authorities could have done more to prevent the deaths. The tragedies have also highlighted the need for better communication and warning systems, with some members of the public reporting that they had alerted emergency services to the potential threat before the landslide occurred. The inquiry will provide an opportunity to examine the events leading up to the tragedy and identify areas for improvement in disaster risk management.
Conclusion and Future Directions
The recent landslide tragedies in the North Island have highlighted the need for better preparedness and adaptation strategies to mitigate the risks associated with landslides. The country’s unique geography, combined with the impacts of global warming, makes it essential to take a proactive approach to disaster risk management. By improving planning, mapping, and adaptation strategies, New Zealand can reduce the risks associated with landslides and create a more resilient community. The national conversation sparked by the recent tragedies provides an opportunity for the country to come together and address the challenges posed by climate change and disaster risk management. As Dr. Robinson notes, "If anything good can come out of this, then having a better and broader understanding of landslide risk and how to prepare for them is a positive."
