Global warming is a global issue. New Zealand is no exception. The year 2020 is expected to be 0.7 degrees warmer than average, making it the seventh warmest year in New Zealand's recorded history.
Increasing global warming
According to New Zealand records, all of the hottest years in the past statistics have occurred since 1998, and the first five hottest years have all occurred since 2013. The fact that all of the coldest years on record were recorded before 1933 also makes the trend towards global warming quite clear.
The World Meteorological Organisation announced that 2020 will be one of the top three warmest years on record worldwide, with temperatures expected to be 1.2 degrees higher on average than pre-industrial levels. Global warming caused by greenhouse gases will continue to progress worldwide, and it is said that it will exceed 1.5 degrees within the next 10 to 20 years.
NZ declares climate emergency
On December 1st, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern declared a climate emergency. Scotland was the first country in the world to do so in April 2019. When this declaration is made, the country and local governments will take the lead in strengthening policies and campaigns against climate change. In Japan, the same was adopted by the Diet on November 20th of this year.
Scotland is set to strengthen its efforts to combat climate change, following in the footsteps of Canada, France, the UK and other countries which have already made declarations.
Prime Minister Ardern said,
We have always seen climate change as a major threat, and it now demands urgent action.
He commented.
Prime Minister Ardern won a landslide victory in the general election in October this year, and through a cabinet reshuffle, she was able to pass a climate emergency declaration, something that had previously been unsuccessful.
Are there four seasons in one day? Climate characteristics
Continuing on the topic of climate, let's finish by talking about the seasons in New Zealand.
The North Island is relatively warm, and the average temperature in Auckland, New Zealand's largest city, is about 7°C in winter and 24°C in summer, which is neither too cold nor too hot, making it quite comfortable.
One of the major characteristics of New Zealand's climate is that there are many days with drastic temperature differences in one day, so much so that it is said that there are "four seasons in one day." You can feel the temperature change in one day, from when short sleeves are just right to when you feel chilly without a jacket. For this reason, it is safe to wear clothes that can be taken off and put on as much as possible.
The temperature does not rise very high in the summer, but the ultraviolet rays are strong throughout the year. Sunglasses, sunscreen, and hats are essential. The ultraviolet rays are said to be seven times stronger than in Japan.
It is also well known that New Zealanders do not use umbrellas very often. It seems that many people avoid the rain with jackets like windbreakers instead of umbrellas. Children in particular do not mind getting a little soaked! This may be related to the fact that New Zealand's rainwater is relatively clean. Some homes collect rainwater and use it for laundry, cleaning, gardening, or purify it for drinking water.
[bonus]
In New Zealand, which is in the southern hemisphere, Christmas is in the middle of summer.
A midsummer Santa like this appeared in Auckland. He seems to be a yoga lover.
