Wellington could be more like Venice by 2100

SEA RISE SCENARIO: The computer graphic shows that low-lying parts of central Wellington are at risk of flooding if the sea level rises one metre.

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If you want to go to the library, you'll get your feet wet, Wellington police will need boats to get to work, and parts of Customhouse Quay might get a bit soggy.

Wellington City Council has issued a graphic to show how rising sea levels would affect the capital.

"It's important to remember that, for areas such as the CBD, doing nothing is clearly not an option," councillor Ray Ahipene-Mercer said.

"Tools like this help us to assess a range of appropriate response options, and will also help people understand why it is important to reduce greenhouse gas emissions." Local authorities should be preparing for a rise of up to one metre in sea levels by 2100, he said.

The council was shown the computer-generated graphic this week. It showed, if nothing was done to protect the city centre, low-lying parts were at risk of flooding. Sea level rise could also increase erosion and the effects of storm surge.

The council's strategy and policy committee considered this week the draft 2010 climate change action plan. It looked at cutting greenhouse gas emissions and preparing for a rise in temperature and sea level.

Mr Ahipene-Mercer said Wellington had assets worth billions of dollars which could be affected, including roads, railway lines and the city centre.

The council planned to shift the focus to community emissions rather than just the actions of businesses and organisations.

It has set a target to cut community emissions by 3 per cent by June 2013 and committed $35 million towards plans with a climate change focus in its 2009-19 Long-Term Council Community Plan. Projects include walking and cycling plans, intensifying development in the city centre and retro-fitting homes with better insulation.

- © Fairfax NZ News