Ashburton Mayor Donna Favel signed the New Zealand Local Government Leaders’ Climate Change Declaration in 2018. Signatories are committed to making and implementing plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, engaging with tangata whenua and promoting resilience within local communities.
The District Council adopted its first formal climate change policy (PDF, 341kb) in 2019 and it was subsequently reviewed in 2022. During the review, Council identified the need for an 'action plan', to help meet the goals of the policy. The Ashburton District Council adopted the final Climate Resilience Plan on 17 August 2022.
The policy states that it will respond to climate change in ways that:
- Ensure the sustainability of Council assets and services for the present and future wellbeing of the Ashburton District
- Enhance the resilience and preparedness of Ashburton households and businesses in the present and for the future
- Reduce carbon emissions from its own activities
Resilience is the ability to anticipate and resist disruptive events, minimise adverse impacts, respond effectively, maintain or recover functionality, and adapt in a way that allows for learning and thriving. In essence, it’s about developing the ability to remain effective across a range of future conditions.
Donna Favel, Ashburton's Mayor in 2018, signed the New Zealand Local Government Leaders’ Climate Change Declaration (PDF, 832kb) in 2018. Signatories are committed to making and implementing plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, engaging with tangata whenua and promoting resilience within local communities.