Drought raises climate questions

The Big DryCurrent drought conditions in the North Island have heated up discussion about the science of climate change and the future of New Zealand’s weather.

Climate scientists have warned the we may see similar dry seasons in the future.

Examples of media coverage from over the weekend:

Sunday Star Times: North Island Drought The Most Severe In History
Newstalk ZB: NZ’s climate headed the way of the Mediterranean
TVNZ: North Island drought ‘most severe in history’
Radio New Zealand: Stock feed being moved to drought regions
Dominion Post: No Sign Of Rain As Drought Sets In
Sunday Star Times: Effects of Drought Will Be Felt Long Term
3 News: Future droughts more likely – expert
Manawatu Standard: Drought hits rural districts in the pocket
NZ Herald News: Forecast: Rain many days away
Stuff.co.nz: Effects of Drought Will Be Felt Long Term
Otago Daily Times: Drought continues to bite in Nth Island
NZ Herald News: North Island’s worst drought in 70 years
TVNZ: Warning NZ climate could become more like Aus

Two recent op-ed pieces from climate scientists:

The Press: Droughts risk rising – James Renwick
NZ Herald: Ignore Mother Nature at your peril – Jim Salinger