NEW ZEALAND: Christchurch hosts world’s largest climate adaptation event

The sinking islands of Tuvalu are represented at the world’s largest climate adaptation event in Christchurch, New Zealand – Image: Sangga Rima Roman Selia/Unsplash

The largest ever climate event to be held in Aotearoa New Zealand is currently being held at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre. The eighth international Adaptation Futures Conference (AF2025) – the United Nations’ (UN) largest climate adaptation event – aims to accelerate international climate adaptation to protect vulnerable communities, businesses, and environments.

The almost 2000 scholars, scientists and indigenous leaders participating in the in-person/online conference aim to identify key priorities to inform city, government and international action, including the 30th annual United Nations’ Climate Change Conference, COP30, in Brazil (10-21 November).

Co-hosted by the United Nations World Adaptation Science Programme (WASP) and the University of Canterbury (UC), the event has a strong focus on Pacific and indigenous innovation and leadership, in recognition of the huge impact of climate change on Pacific and Indigenous communities.

One of the keynote speakers at the event is Cynthia Houniuhi, President of Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change (PISFCC), who spearheaded the successful call for governments to be recognised as criminally liable for inaction on climate. The Tuvalu Minister for Home A[airs, Climate Change, and Environment, Maina Talia is reflecting on the priorities of a nation facing some of the most severe existential climate threats globally.

Christchurch (Ōtautahi) in New Zealand is hosting the world’s largest climate adaptation event at Te Pae Convention Centre – Image: TNZ

Co-patron of the event, Lisa Tumahai (Ngai Tahu indigenous Maori), said she was excited to welcome delegates to AF2025. “Ngāi Tahu has a role as kaitiaki – a guardian of our environment,” she said. “Our people have been adapting for generations, and our leadership in climate adaptation is a continuation of that history. It is important that Indigenous peoples are part of decision making and influencing policy on adaptation now and in the future.”

The event is being co-convened by Professor Bronwyn Hayward and Distinguished Professor Steven Ratuva of the University of Canterbury. University of Canterbury Vice-Chancellor Professor Cheryl de la Rey said the university was looking forward to hosting this important conference. “We are committed to engagement, and working closely with our communities and our city, to create sustainable solutions for generations to come.”

Professor Hayward describes the event as a pivotal moment for accelerating climate adaption. “The science is raising critical questions about how we can protect people, economies, cultures and environments if temperatures rise over 2.7 degrees Celsus,” she said. “The world is currently heading for a temperature “overshoot”, and we urgently need to prepare to protect what we love and value.”

More than 200 in-person and online sessions will cover AF2025’s core themes of Indigenous innovation and leadership; oceans, islands, and futures; cities, settlements and infrastructure; the food, water, and biodiversity nexus; health, wellbeing, and future generations; the art of adaptation, communication and education; and beyond adaptation.

Distinguished Professor Steven Ratuva, who is Pro Vice Chancellor Pacific at UC, said Adaptation Futures 2025 will focus on climate hotspots and vulnerable communities around the world, including the Pacific Islands, parts of Africa, Central Asia, and the Arctic region. AF2025 is supported by a sponsorship consortium of national and international partners, and foundation sponsor Adaptation Fund. (NAN 14-10-25)

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