State of the environment
Introduction |
Update 2007/2008 |
Update 2006/2007 |
Update 2005/2006 |
Update 2004/2005 |
Our Changing Environment 2004/2005 |
Update 2003 |
Our Changing Environment 2002
Update 2003
Energy efficiency and climate change
The way in which we use non-renewable energy (eg oil, gas etc) is of growing
concern. World consumption of non-renewable fuels is expected to increase by
40-50 per cent over the next 10 years. However, it takes thousands and thousands
of years for the Earth's natural processes to make these fuels. Therefore,
because of the increased demand, there are fears that we will soon run out
unless we find alternative, renewable, energy sources, such as wind and solar
power.
Human activities such as driving cars and burning coal to heat our homes, are
not only using up our important non-renewable energy sources, but are also
contributing to the greenhouse effect and an overall change in our climate.
The greenhouse effect is a natural occurrence. Without it, the Earth would be
60 degrees cooler than it is now. Burning coal and cutting down trees has
significantly increased the amount of greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide,
monoxide and nitrous oxide) in the environment from 280 parts per million in 1860
to over 400 parts per million today. As a result, our temperature fluctuates more,
resulting in increased storms and droughts.
What you can do
- Reduce the amount of greenhouse gases in the environment by reducing your
reliance on non-renewable energy. Try taking a bus, train or ferry when
moving around the city.
- Buy ozone-friendly products.
Find out more
www.climatechange.govt.nz
Transport
| Passenger transport usage into the CBD |
 |
Due to the central location of Auckland city within the Auckland region, many
cars travel into, out of and across the city. This generates a lot of traffic
which can lead to congestion on main roads during peak travelling times. For
example, about 11,634 travel west along Khyber Pass Road every day.
A quicker, more effective way to get around the city is to catch either a
bus, train or ferry. In 2003, a daily average of 27,122 people used public
transport compared to 21,115 people in 2002. The
improvements in passenger transportation are partly due to the bus priority
lanes which have been in use over the past five years as well as the opening of the
Britomart Transport Terminal.
What you can do
Consider cycling, walking or taking the bus to get around the city.- Contact the Auckland Regional Council to find out how to set up a car pool
in your area, phone (09) 366-2000 or contact
us if you are interested in participating in the Walking School Bus
programme.
Find out more
www.arc.govt.nz/transport
Waste
In July 2001, changes were made to Auckland City's kerbside collection system
to encourage the reduction of waste to landfill. These included increasing the
number of bins available for recyclable material and restricting the mobile
garbage ("wheelie") bin for rubbish to the smaller 120-litre bin. As a
result, the amount of rubbish collected for disposal to landfill has reduced by
about a third and material collected for recycling has increased by a similar
amount. Between January and December 2003, just under 78,000 tonnes of rubbish
was collected, compared to 95,500 tonnes in 2001.
Whilst we still have a long way to go, Auckland city residents have increased the amount of material put out for recycling. Between January and December 2001,
households on the Auckland isthmus put out 30,260 tonnes. This increased to
36,600 tonnes in 2003 (approx 40 per cent for the council blue recycling bin collection and
60 per cent for the separate paper collection).
What you can do
- Compost garden and food scraps or use a garden waste company and get someone else
to do it for you. You can learn how to compost at the council's free
composting courses.
- Place all glass bottles, jars, tins, aluminium cans and plastic
bottles (grades 1 and 2) in your blue bin. Tie or bag all cardboard and
paper - any type except coated (eg waxed) paper - and place out for the
separate kerbside paper collection.
Find out more
Hazardous substances and contaminated land
Commercial industries such as panel beaters, petrol stations and workshops
store or use hazardous substances which can potentially harm our health and
contaminate our land and water resources.
|
Hazardous spills
|
 |
Hazardous substances such as paints
and garden sprays are found and used in and around our homes. Storing hazardous
substances at your home or business increases the risk of contaminating the surrounding
land. In 2003, there were 551 recorded business sites that were at risk of
contamination.
In 2003, there were 520 hazardous substance spills into streams and waterways
within Auckland city compared to 960 in 2002. Most of these spills resulted from
people pouring paint and other chemicals down stormwater drains which carried pollutants into our harbours and streams.
What you can do
- Make sure that you safely store and dispose of hazardous substances such as
petrol, paints and garden fertilisers so that they can't pollute land or
destroy our streams and waterways.
A safe way to do this is by using the free
HazMobile service provided by
councils in the Auckland region. For more information visit www.hazmobile.govt.nz.
Find out more
www.ermanz.govt.nz/hs
Heritage
Heritage sites, such as the Civic Theatre and the volcanic cones dotted around
the city's landscape, help give Auckland its unique flavour. At present, 141
buildings within Auckland are protected from demolition or having significant changes made
to them. The city also has 38 known geological sites such as lava caves or
fields and 63 known archaeological sites which provide an insight into how people
used to live in Auckland's past.
Unless our heritage is protected, there is a risk of it being destroyed by
pollution, inappropriate development or general wear and tear.
| Protected heritage buildings |
 |
What you can do
- Report any damage to archaeological sites to the council.
- Be aware of, and protect, the character of any historic building you live
or work in.
Find out more
www.cultureandheritage.govt.nz
Noise
Noise is a constant part of living in an urban city such as Auckland.
Everyday activities produce ambient or background noise. Ambient
noise can be cars driving past your house or children playing in your street.
Noise only becomes a problem when it damages our health such as affecting our
sleeping patterns or causing hearing loss.
The council follows Ministry of
Health guidelines and sets noise tolerance levels, based on world health standards at 45
decibels for daytime activities and 55 decibels for night time activities. In
2003, the city had 14,300 noise complaints compared to the 14,000 complaints
received in 2002. Most of these complaints were about noisy stereos.
|
Noise complaints
|
 |
What you can do
Show consideration to your neighbours when using noisy appliances, machines
or loud stereos.
Find out more
www.niwa.cri.nz
Air quality
Air pollution has considerable effects on all aspects of our environment and
health. Nitrogen dioxide, a reddish/brown gas, is visible most days on the
horizon and the Auckland Regional Council claims that 400 people each year die as
a result of air pollution related illnesses.
The main contributor to air
pollution is the burning of fossil fuels such as coal and petrol. In 2003, the Auckland
Regional Council's five monitoring sites within Auckland city recorded eight days when
the levels of carbon monoxide (the main by-product of vehicle emissions)
exceeded recommended levels.
| Air quality in Auckland city |
 |
What you can do
- Reduce the number of trips that you take in your car and try to take public
transportation like buses, trains and ferries instead.
- Try to avoid using open fires to heat your home in winter.
Urban growth
The population of the Auckland region is expected to double by 2050. Having
more
people living in the region, particularly in Auckland city, makes it an exciting
place to live, but also puts pressure on the natural environment. For
example, more cars on our roads leads to greater exhaust
emissions, which reduce the quality of the air we breathe.
People moving into Auckland city also want a variety of houses to choose
from. Some people want a backyard while others are happy with an apartment. It
is the council's job to make sure that there are as many housing choices
available as possible.
|
Population projections for Auckland city
|
 |
What you can do
Become involved in helping Auckland City to plan for future growth by
attending public meetings and making submissions.
Find out more
Check out the Auckland
City Growth Management Strategy
