Volume One 19. Climate Change Methods of implementation The methods listed below are to be implemented by the Council unless otherwise specified. [R, C, D] 19.M.8 Research In order to plan for the effect of sea level rise, it is necessary to understand the areas along the Marlborough coast that are likely to be affected by inundation in the long term. The Council will undertake an investigation to establish the extent and nature of the inundation hazard using the International Panel on Climate Change’s most recent projections of sea level rise. [R, C, D] 19.M.9 Monitoring The Council will continue to monitor water levels and flows in Marlborough’s rivers. This will provide information on the magnitude and frequency of flood events over time and will allow changes in flood risk to be identified and evaluated. [D] 19.M.10 District rules Use rules to establish buffers between buildings and infrastructure and the coastal marine area. The horizontal setback created will reduce the potential for structures and infrastructure to be inundated until the research outlined above is completed. The research may prompt the need for additional district rules in certain locations to ensure Policy 19.2.2 continues to be met. Anticipated environmental results and monitoring effectiveness The following table identifies the anticipated environmental results of the climate change provisions of the MEP. Unless otherwise specified, the anticipated environmental results are ten year targets. For each anticipated environmental result, a series of indicators will be used to monitor the effectiveness of the climate change provisions. Anticipated environmental result Monitoring effectiveness 19.AER.1 The community’s understanding of the The results of research into the local effects of climate effects of climate change and sea level change and sea level rise are reported to the Council. rise improves over time. Environmental data, including climate and flooding, is collected and reported to the Council to establish long term trends. 19.AER.2 Primary producers are able to adapt to Monitoring of land use and land use change the effects of climate change. establishes changes in crop type. 19.AER.3 Buildings and infrastructure established Reports of inundation and/or damage to buildings after the notification of the MEP are not and/or infrastructure. inundated by the sea. 19 – 7