Climate crisis survey

What did you tell us?

• 41% of people associated the Regional Council as the main organisation responsible for actions on climate change in Hawke’s Bay
• 25% of residents believe climate change is one of the challenges facing New Zealand
• Drinking water was of the highest concern, followed by economic struggles then climate change
• 90% of people believe that climate change is already occurring
• 62% of people are concerned about the impact of climate change in Hawke’s Bay
• Drought is seen as the main negative outcome of climate change
• 55% of residents were prepared to pay more in rates to minimise the impact of climate change
• The most supported initiative that people were prepared to pay for was a reduction of carbon and erosion through tree planting (69%)
• Concern for future generations was the main driving force for taking part in environmental actions
• 80% of people said they have been moderately or greatly involved in environmental activities
• Lack of alternatives or resources and cost were the two main cited barriers to engaging in environment related activities
• The top four activities were recycling, reusable product purchases, energy saving household products, and composting
• Two-thirds of residents do not think the Council is doing enough to prevent and reduce the impact of climate change
• According to the community, climate change is most directly the result of population growth and waste, energy and transport, and industrial processes. Only 1 in 10 people surveyed think that agriculture is a key cause. Greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture to year end 2018 made up 70% of gross emissions for Hawke’s Bay (Stats NZ 2020).