NZ SeaRise

Thermal expansion of the oceans and melting of polar ice sheets are the two main contributors to global sea-level rise. The Ministry for the Environment’s latest projections for Aotearoa New Zealand are a rise between 0.46 metres and 1.05 metres by 2100. However, new science from NZ SeaRise shows that melting polar ice sheets and local land subsidence could lift sea levels here even higher.

NZ SeaRise brings together 30 local and international experts to improve predictions and manage the impacts of sea-level rise in New Zealand. New science by the NZ SeaRise team shows that melting polar ice sheets and local land subsidence could lift sea levels here even higher than indicated by the latest projections.

Data from the programme will help Aotearoa New Zealand to make better decisions about managing the consequences of rising seas. The data will be incorporated into the next Ministry for the Environment report on coastal hazards and climate change. From 2021, the project will share detailed maps and models based on different global sea-level rise scenarios. This will provide more accurate and reliable information for central and local government planners. It will also be freely available to the public.