Key facts
- Greenhouse gas levels in New Zealand have reached record highs.
- New Zealand's average temperature has risen 1.36C since 1909.
Greenhouse gas levels in New Zealand have reached record highs, leading to increased warming, more frequent heatwaves, and a significant risk of catastrophic glacier melts, according to a new report. The nation's average temperature has risen by 1.36C since 1909, with seven of the ten warmest years occurring in the last decade.
The findings indicate that New Zealand's environment, native species, communities, and industries face significant risks from escalating climate change impacts, including extreme weather events, sea-level rise, and substantial loss of glacial ice, which could have long-term economic and social consequences.
New Zealand is facing mounting climate pressures, with greenhouse gas levels reaching record highs, according to the Our Atmosphere and Climate 2026 report released on Wednesday. The report indicates that the nation is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves and significant glacier melts.
Dr. Alison Collins, chief science adviser for the ministry for cities, environment, regions and transport (Mcert), stated that multiple indicators show increased warming and the likelihood of climate change. New Zealand's annual average temperature has risen by 1.36C since records began in 1909, and seven of the ten warmest years on record have occurred in the last decade.
The report highlights that glaciers are shrinking, with their volume decreasing from 56 cubic kilometers in 1997 to 30 cubic kilometers in 2023. Projections suggest that under a low emissions scenario, glaciers could lose between 14% and 86% of their volume by 2100, while a high emissions scenario could see them lose between 69% and 100%.
Greenhouse gases have increased to record levels, with a 30% rise in carbon dioxide since 1972. Methane levels also reached their highest concentration in 2025. This additional heat contributes to rising temperatures, warming oceans, sea-level rise, shifting rainfall patterns, and more extreme weather events.
Heatwaves are expected to become more frequent, longer, and more intense, with the number of days exceeding 25C likely to increase by 2050, posing health risks. Marine heatwaves are also becoming more pronounced, affecting native species. In 2025, New Zealand's oceans were warming 34% faster than the global average, leading to issues like sea sponge bleaching and fish die-offs.
The report, a collaboration between Mcert and Stats NZ, also notes risks from damaging storms and cyclones, droughts, sea-level rise eroding infrastructure, and reduced access to culturally significant places for Māori communities. Recent severe storms like Cyclone Gabrielle and the 2023 Auckland floods have caused significant devastation and costs.
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