The Climate Reality Project -- Auckland

What can change in a day? Everything. On September 14, the world will focus its attention on the truth about the climate crisis. For 24 hours, we will all live in reality. Pick a faraway place or a city near you. Make it yours for one day. We’re hitting every time zone — but only once. 7 p.m. in your time zone. Choose a location and get involved.

Auckland --

The largest city in New Zealand, Auckland is located on a narrow strip of land connecting the cities of Waitemata and Manukau. According to the Auckland Tourism and Visitors Trust, “New Zealand’s indigenous people, the Maori, called this land ‘Tamaki Makau Rau,’ a maiden with 100 lovers. It was a place desired by many and fought over for its riches, including its forested hills, productive volcanic soils and harbors full of seafood.”

Located in an island nation, Auckland is particularly susceptible to sea level rise — as are many of New Zealand’s coastal communities. The small town of Kaeo, north of Auckland, has been flooded so many times in the last few years that residents may have to abandon the town as sea levels continue to rise.

Agricultural industries — particularly sheep and cattle herding — are at the heart of New Zealand’s economy. In fact, there are more sheep in New Zealand than there are people. As extreme weather events related to climate change become more common, the costs and damages associated with them are also likely to increase. In New Zealand, farmers are learning how to deal with both flooding and drought, and all of the problems that come with them: damaged roads and buildings, loss of stock, soil erosion, and dry conditions that fail to sustain crops.