When will we see action on climate change?

In recent weeks we’ve seen intense rainfall in parts of the North Island – sometimes a month’s worth in just a few hours – resulting in widespread flooding, slips and the sad loss of lives.  The extreme weather is facilitated by global warming, and is set to become more frequent and more extreme.

Climate scientist James Renwick has called for central government to coordinate a national response so as not to leave regional councils on their own - and with their rates capped to prevent any meaningful preparation!

In the meantime Lawyers for Climate Action are taking the government to court in March challenging whether their emissions reduction plan complies with the law.

Why do governments find it so difficult to deal with not only the scientific evidence but real-time impacts on our lives?  Why does climate change slip down the political and the media agenda?

Climate researcher James Renwick  and Jessica Palairet (Lawyers for Climate Action) speak to questions around communicating the issues successfully and actions we can take or push governments to take. We have heard about climate tipping points and yet can see the constant backsliding by our government and by governments around the world.  Are we just like the frog sitting in the pot on the stove getting warmer and warmer?