The Christchurch City Council is inviting people to have their say on its Draft Climate Smart Strategy from 22 March to 30 April 2010.

Jenny Ridgen, Healthy Environment Programme Manager at the Christchurch City Council says "Whether you live by the beach or along our rivers, on Banks Peninsula or within the four avenues - all of us, our children and our grandchildren, in one way or another, are going to experience the effects of our changing climate.

"The New Zealand Government has provided advice on what changes to expect and on how to deal with the effects and we want to better understand what this might mean for Christchurch", Ms Ridgen says.

"The draft Climate Smart Strategy 2010 - 2025 sets the direction for our responses to these impacts, but also considers ways to harness opportunities presented by climate change. Opportunities such as new green businesses and technologies and improved community resilience"

"In developing this Strategy, the Council has followed Government advice about anticipated changes for Christchurch and is meeting legal obligations placed on the Council to consider the impacts of climate change".

"Following this advice, our community within the next 100 years must prepare for a 50 to 80 centimetre rise in sea-level, a temperature increase of 2 degrees and changes in rainfall and extreme weather events".

"Our community is already responding to a changing climate in many ways. If you recycle, choose local produce and walk and cycle, then you are already making a difference to reduce greenhouse gas emissions".

"The Strategy aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging energy efficiency and renewable energy sources, but also to enhance community understanding and resilience. The Strategy builds on positive actions already taking place in Christchurch and helps prepare for future changes".

"Now is your opportunity to give us feedback on the draft strategy. The public's feedback is important to help guide the Council's decision-making and we encourage people to have their say", Ms Ridgen says.

Copies of the draft Strategy and submission forms are available at Council service centres and libraries and can be obtained by telephoning the Council on 941-8999 or online at www.climatesmart.co.nz.

To launch the consultation period the Council is hosting a HOT TOPIC free public forum on Climate Change, on Wednesday 24 March from 6:30 pm at the Isaac Theatre Royal. Bob Parker along with a host of local experts including Peter Townsend and Roger Sutton, will discuss ways the city, businesses and households can respond to climate change.

The Council is also offering free information sessions where staff will be available to answer questions about the strategy. To register for HOT TOPIC and for details of the information sessions visit www.climatesmart.co.nz

Consultation starts on 22 March and finishes on 30 April.