Climate change and its impact on the Waitaki community and farming will be the subject of a free seminar at the Oamaru Opera House on Monday.
Climate change scientist Jim Salinger and financial and business journalist Rod Oram will discuss the nature of climate change, the impact on health, property, infrastructure, environment and rural industries, the latest information available and how it will affect communities.
Along with Lincoln University Professor Caroline Saunders, they have been touring New Zealand, running the seminars. Prof Saunders' presentation on the effects of climate change on agriculture will be given by Mr Oram.
The Waitaki District Council has organised the seminar, which will be held from noon to 2pm.
Strategy group manager Richard Mabon said it would illustrate what climate change meant for agriculture and explain practical and cost-effective steps farmers could take to reduce emissions, while improving economic viability and identifying business opportunities in a changing world.
The seminar will also discuss the impact of emissions trading on the New Zealand economy and compare New Zealand's climate change targets with those of its trading partners.
On Monday night, the same panel will be joined by Otago University associate professor Bob Lloyd at a seminar in Palmerston which will look at the effects of climate and energy changes on the Waihemo area, based on concerns identified in a survey.
