2247 days ago

A few must watches for young thoughtful readers.

Derrick from Thames

I see more misinformation is being promulgated by Alistair Brickell in Hauraki Herald "Conversations". For example, he states "there is no evidence anywhere in the world of any increase in the actual rate of sea level rise." That is totally incorrect because over the last century the average global increase was about 1.3mm per year. It is now 3.4mm per year and there is an enormous body of evidence that the rate will increase. Yes, so far the rise has been essentially linear but there are strong hints that we may soon record an exponential curve. One hopes that its exponent will be small. Here is the actual past record.
 climate.nasa.gov...
However, sea level rise is only part of the problem for those living close to the sea. Storms and their tidal surges are already more prevalent and they are projected to become worse. Indeed, cyclones are increasingly impacting New Zealand.
Unfortunately much of the information has been produced by those in the northern hemisphere where climate changes are ahead of those here in the south due to changes in the Arctic. We should learn from them because we are only decades behind and we should all be watching Antarctic events with immense interest..
www.nationalgeographic.com...
Here is another excellent video that is highly educational. Young persons currently thinking about buying a future property have only themselves to blame if they do not educate themselves.
www.youtube.com....
Brickell is partly correct in regards to future costs. Over coming decades there will be a retreat from sections of our coasts especially as properties become increasing flood risks. Thus there will be increased insurance costs. Indeed, its happening already.
We are also paying for flood protection, especially for the plains. I leave it to readers to guess if costs might increase over coming decades.
 In regards to protecting currently endangered properties especially along the Thames coast etc, it is a cost benefit exercise. Will providing storm surge protections (e.g. sea walls) provide more financial benefit to our overal communities than for example losing homes that might have decades of ensurable future use? I suspect a sea wall that will protect current homes at least for their estimated lifetimes is worthwhile.
I worry for my grand children and especially their offspring.

More messages from your neighbours
5 days ago

Poll: Have you ever been bullied?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

People associate bullying with children in schools, but it can actually stretch beyond childhood to workplaces or neighbourhoods.

This Friday is Pink Shirt Day, which began in Canada in 2007 when two students took a stand against homophobic bullying after a new student was harassed for wearing pink. People across the globe are now encouraged to wear pink on this day to take a stand against bullying and promote inclusivity.

Have you or your whānau ever experienced bullying? Share your thoughts on Pink Shirt Day below.

Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.

Image
Have you ever been bullied?
  • 80% Yes
    80% Complete
  • 19.7% No
    19.7% Complete
  • 0.4% Other - I'll share below
    0.4% Complete
1547 votes
1 day ago

Social climber

The Team from Resene ColorShop Matamata

Building framed bunk beds and finishing with curtains, Resene Indian Ink and Resene Colorwood Bark elevates the bach classic. Kids also love them at home. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.

Image
1 day ago

May Evening at Thames Museum Te Whare Taonga o te Kauaeranga

Carolyn from Thames

Join us at Thames Museum Te Whare Taonga o te Kauaeranga at 5.30pm on Wednesday 29th May for our next Evening at the Museum. Caroline Thomas will take us into the fascinating life and work of Coromandel-born Reo Franklin Fortune.
Despite professional differences and personality clashes with friends and colleagues, Reo Fortune was regarded as the foremost anthropologist of his era. His contribution to anthropology is reflected in his major publications and journal articles that illustrate the diversity and complexity of his fieldwork.

Image