Jane Nees provided a useful summary of the anticipated effects of global warming (28 Jan).
It is an unfortunate reality that we could see the arrival of mosquito-born threats such as malaria in NZ during this century.
Will the revised Regional Policy Statement deal with such threats? No. Our biosecurity system was unable to prevent the arrival of a threat to the kiwifruit industry, or the spread of a mite that threatens bees.
A regulatory structure is needed, but it cannot fight the overwhelming forces of nature initiated by global warming. Jane wasted half her column dwelling on a sideline – the question of whether or not climate change is a reality. It is time to accept that the threats exist, and build resilient communities around a few simple principles: organic farming, simplified transportation systems, effective communication networks, compact urban design, and local economies that do not depend on growth to service debt.
Such principles may simplify our lifestyles, but do not compromise our comfort. Most importantly, they are mechanisms for survival.
Ian McLean, Poike.