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Will's Word is Pacific Mornings host William Terite's daily opinion piece on the latest news happening here and around the Pacific.

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Opinion

Temperature rises show urgent climate action is needed

Pacific Mornings' host William Terite says the Government needs to take climate change more seriously, given recent news New Zealand is warming faster than expected.

This is a transcript from Will's Word on September 19, 2024:

Now it’s time for Will’s Word…

New climate projections show New Zealand is warming faster than expected, with potential increases of up to 3C by the end of the century if we don’t cut emissions. It’s pretty alarming news not only for New Zealand but for the entire Pacific region, where climate change poses a serious threat.

The impacts include more extreme weather - heatwaves, floods, and droughts - affecting agriculture, water security, and public health. Vulnerable Pacific Island nations face heightened risks, including food and water shortages.

NIWA’s chief scientist, Andrew Tait, stressed the need for communities to prepare for these changes. We must act swiftly to reduce emissions and adapt to our new reality.

The time for talk has passed; now is the time for action, in fact yesterday was the time for action.

And you have to ask, is serious action being taken here in New Zealand? I think of this Government’s intention to reverse the ban on gas and oil exploration.

Meanwhile in Rarotonga, a huge turnout is expected for a rally against deep sea mining which the Cook Islands Government is potentially looking into.

It’s ridiculous that in 2025 we continue to push for ideas that harm our environment.

Pushing for ideas like this I’d argue makes you a climate denialist.