Although the UN climate change summit is taking place on the other side of the world, Tauranga Environment Centre's James Jacobs believes decisions will be made there which will impact on the Tauranga region.

James Jacobs with worms at Tauranga Environment Centre.

James is the business development coordinator at the centre and says it is likely Tauranga will experience more unpredictable weather patterns, hotter and drier summers and intensive rainfall.
'Here in New Zealand, we are a long long way from the rest of the world.
'I'm a bit worried that people will switch off to it,” says James.
He also says another climate change consequence for New Zealanders is population movement from rising sea levels in the pacific.
James is very pleased that Prime Minister John Key has decided to attend the summit.
'I'm really hoping it's an opportunity to make a major step forward,” says James.
He hopes progress will not only be made on climate change, but also on prioritising the environment so it can be safe-guarded for future generations.
John Key will attend the summit with trade minister Tim Groser and environment minister Nick Smith.