"Preserving Aotearoa: Climate Change, Māori Heritage, and Our Shared Future"

Our climate, our land, our waters – they are all changing. Recent studies indicate that the average global temperatures have soared to record-setting levels, a clear sign of intensifying global heating. This year, 2023, may well be the hottest year ever recorded. The world experienced its third warmest May in a 174-year temperature record, with North and South America both recording their hottest May ever. NOAA predicts about a 12% chance that 2023 will set a new annual heat record, but it is almost certain to be within the top 10 warmest years and very likely in the top five. Warmest average global air temperature 16.8 °C (62°F), seen on 13 August 2016 and in June alone is 16.7°C.

This exceptional warming follows a pattern of intensifying global heating, making it likely that 2023 will surpass 2016 as the hottest year ever recorded. The first half of June witnessed extraordinary global warmth , with the initial days of the month even breaching a 1.5°C increase compared to pre-industrial times. This could be the first occurrence of such an increase since industrialization began.

The oceans are experiencing an even more remarkable burst of warmth, with NOAA confirming a second consecutive month of record high ocean surface temperatures in May. These excessive heat conditions in the oceans, which cover 70% of the earth's surface, not only influence overall global temperatures but also displace fish populations, bleach coral reefs, and drive coastal sea-level rise. In New Zealand, the mussels in our waters, the whitebait in our rivers, the pipi in our sands, and the diverse species that have always thrived in our waters are now under threat. But the risk is not theirs alone. Our people, our Māori tribes, are feeling the impact. It is the scent of the pipi beds, the taste of whitebait, the sight of thriving mussels that weave the intricate tapestry of our cultural narrative.

Our Māori community, our kaumātua (elders), have seen their bond with the moana (ocean) stretched thin. As the seas warm and acidify, species are disappearing, and traditional food sources are depleting. Yet, it is not just about food or economy; it is about our identity, our relationship with the environment, our connection with ancestors, and the legacy we leave for our future generations.

Together, we must embrace sustainable practices, reduce our carbon footprint, and take bold, decisive action against the ravages of climate change. Our Māori values guide us in this endeavor: the concept of kaitiakitanga, guardianship, and protection of the environment, must inform our approach to climate change. #climatechange #sustainable #economy