Deep South National science challenge reports that ‘New Zealand is projected to warm by 1-4°C during the 21st century. This warming will melt our frozen water resources – our snow, ice and glaciers. However, the scale, area and timing of changes to our meltwater are unclear’. Our rivers supply our hydro-electric power plants throughout NZ. Any melting snow caps and glaciers will have a potent impact on the amount of flooding being experienced throughout NZ.

Rangatahi from Whakatane learnt all about the consequences climate change is having and will be having on NZ ecosystem. They were fascinated as the PTC practical hands- on workshop provided insight, guidance and clarity as to ways and approaches we can practicalise to overcome such future scenarios.

Empowering rangatahi is crucial as they are our future thinkers and decision-makers. There are many groups working to enable NZ to become more sustainable for future climatic shocks. The Frozen Water Resource project is one such group working on modeling season snow and our response to glacier changes.