Yet another warning about the consequences of global warming.
Sea levels are rising twice as fast as expected in parts of New Zealand, threatening the country's two largest cities, according to a study released on Monday.
Data collected along the country's coastline showed that some areas are already sinking by three to four millimeters a year, accelerating the dreaded peril.
The projections are the result of an extensive five-year research program - dubbed NZ SeaRise - carried out by dozens of local and international scientists and funded by the government.
According to their forecasts, the authorities have less time than expected to plan how to adapt to the consequences of climate change, in particular a relocation of inhabitants living along the coasts.
“We have less time to act”
According to Tim Naish, who co-led the programme, if global sea level rose by around half a meter by 2100, it would have to rise to nearly a meter in some parts of the world. archipelago because the earth is sinking at the same time.
This would be particularly catastrophic for Wellington, the capital, which could experience a sea level rise of 30cm by 2040, which was not expected until 2060.
The inhabitants of Wellington could thus be victims each year of a flood causing damage.
"We have less time to act," said Tim Naish.
The data shows that the southeastern coastline of the more populated North Island is the most exposed.
Auckland, which, with 1.7 million inhabitants, is the largest city in the country, is particularly vulnerable.
Sea levels are predicted to rise 50% faster on the downtown waterfront and in several suburbs, which will have a huge impact on house prices and insurance premiums.
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The authors of the study then call on elected officials and property developers to think about how best to adapt to this rise in sea level. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said that planning was already underway, including the budgeting for the relocation, away from vulnerable coasts, of certain inhabitants and infrastructures.
“The first thing is not to abdicate because there are a series of options that can be implemented,” she told Radio New Zealand.
"We are working with local authorities and insurers to determine who should bear the costs of some of these options as they should not fall on one party."
The Prime Minister called on New Zealanders to do everything to reduce emissions and limit the consequences of climate change.