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Expected health impacts of climate change in Aotearoa New Zealand
Part 3: Housing and the Indoor Environment
Aotearoa New Zealand is a country that ranges across latitude zones, has prevailing westerly winds, is completely surrounded by ocean and has a large mountain chain affecting east-bound weather systems. With a climate that varies from the subtropical to subantarctic, the country is in a unique position to experience a great number of health impacts from climate change.
The indoor environment
Houses in Aotearoa are already prone to dampness and mould. Effects of climate change may worsen conditions within houses, and impact houses that have previously not been affected. If houses are unsuitable to the conditions or in poor condition themselves this could exacerbate already existing health problems or contribute to new ones.
Heavy rainfall and flooding impact indoor moisture levels, leading to potential health complications like respiratory illnesses, and may affect the durability of building materials.
Warm temperatures in damp homes promote the growth of mould and other allergens. Heatwaves will affect poorly insulated houses and houses in urban environments. The risk of high indoor temperatures will put pressure on cooling systems and subsequently electricity generation and supply, may increase food waste through spoilage, and may contribute to the spread of disease.
Housing availability
There is likelihood that Aotearoa may experience an increase in immigration or influx of refugees from climate-affected countries in the future. With the housing supply already limited and the cost of buying or renting houses becoming more unaffordable, low- and middle-income families and individuals may face housing insecurity. Overcrowding in households can already contribute to poorer mental health, a rise in infectious disease, and food insecurity.
Rising sea levels will also risk housing security. An estimated 675,000 people are already living in flood-prone areas, and coastal flooding and erosion continue to remain risks. Building houses in flood-prone areas also increases risk of flooding through the reduction in pervious ground.
Displacement of communities, families, and individuals as a result of climate change may affect wellbeing on both an individual and community level (see part 5 in this series on mental health).
Te Tūāpapa Kura Kāinga – Ministry of Housing and Urban Development is one of several government agencies contributing to the National Adaptation Plan (NAP), where the main focus is increasing resilience of homes, buildings and places to climate change.
Housing and health
People spend up to 90% of their time indoors, and most of that time is in their home. Subsequently, housing has great potential to contribute to health inequalities.
Check out part four for the impact of climate change on health and the outdoor environment.