In 2023, the Ministry for the Environment commissioned research to better understand the barriers councils face in developing evidence-based climate change policy in their region.
The findings from Ipsos are presented in this report and show that respondents wanted better risk assessment data and standardised tools to help prioritise and streamline climate work.
The information in this independent research does not necessarily reflect the views of Ministry for the Environment.
In 2023, the Ministry for the Environment commissioned research to better understand the barriers councils face in developing evidence-based climate change policy in their region.
The findings from Ipsos are presented in this report and show that respondents wanted better risk assessment data and standardised tools to help prioritise and streamline climate work.
The information in this independent research does not necessarily reflect the views of Ministry for the Environment.
Summary of findings
- Climate change is widely acknowledged as one of the biggest challenges councils face but it is not always a priority for their organisation or community.
- Councils are managing many strategic priorities, including protecting the community’s economic abilities and development.
- Funding and resourcing are often a challenge for climate workstreams. Council staff are juggling a range of responsibilities across adaptation planning, emissions reduction, and community engagement and education.
- The responses showed an opportunity to provide improved data tools which streamline, or make more efficient, the work required to complete these activities.
- Councils see the need for better risk assessment data and standardised tools. A risk assessment tool was ranked highest in terms of councils’ priorities, need, and usefulness both now and in the next 5–10 years.
- An online data portal, emissions inventory tool and interactive engagement tool are also seen as valuable.
- Councils are looking for tools that are easy to use, accessible, responsive to their needs and co-designed.