Climate change the focus of World Habitat day

Climate change affects not only the environment - it also has an impact on housing, transport, health, economics and land, all areas of concern for the people of Hastings District.

The theme of this year’s World Habitat Day is ‘Cities and Climate Change’ - a subject which has become a major focus for local bodies and Governments around the world.

Hastings District Council has recognised the challenges associated with climate change and has undertaken a sustainable approach to development.

Climate change is likely to have a significant impact on our environment while energy sources on which we currently rely may soon become less available and more expensive.

The aging population will place pressure on housing demand and style, while it’s universally acknowledged that generations to come should have the same environmental opportunities that we currently enjoy.

Waste Minimisation planner Angela Atkins says on an individual level, World Habitat Day is a great time to start thinking about how you can make small changes which will make a real difference to climate change.

"Simple measures like changing light bulbs to more environmentally friendly types can help the environment while saving you money. Maintaining the correct pressure in your car tyres is an easy and simple way to save on fuel use.”

“You could plant a tree, make sure that television sets and other electrical appliances are turned off when not in use and avoid products which are wrapped in a lot of packaging,” Mrs Atkins says.

“Every little bit helps and World Habitat Day is a great chance to start making small steps to change your lifestyle, which will help minimise the effects of climate change on life in the future.”

World Habitat Day will be held on Monday October3rd.

For more information on things you can do to save the environment while saving you money, check out Sus’d (the council’s household sustainability programme) at www.susd.org.nz