What is climate adaptation and why does it matter? What are the best ways to inhabit this landscape and ensure a liveable Ōtautahi for ourselves and future generations? Cities around the world are experiencing and are exposed to climate change risks, ranging from increased heat and flooding to sea level rise. By planning and working together, we can adjust our urban systems for greater resilience in the face of climate change. ‘Urban climate adaptation’ explores a range of approaches and examples, from participatory design and hapū-based consultation to international responses. Featuring international and local experts, this speaker event canvasses timeframes of the landscape and the political cycle, sites of risk and vulnerability, why cities matter, who should be involved in the planning and who benefits, the roles of community participation and governance, and nature-based solutions. Hear from:

David Dodman, General Director at The Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (Erasmus University Rotterdam)

Helen Kerr, Principal at Isthmus

Chandni Singh, School of Environment and Sustainability, Indian Institute for Human Settlements

Winston Chow, Professor of Urban Climate at Singapore Management University

Mananui Ramsden (Kāti Huikai, Ngāi Tahu), Former Chair Te Rūnaka o Koukourārata

Panel discussion chair: Lianne Dalziel CNZM (former Mayor of Christchurch and MP).

Poet Ariana Tikao (Kāi Tahu)

Join us for this vital and final Christchurch Conversation of 2025. Book now. 6.30-8pm, Wednesday 15 October Doors to auditorium open 6.10pm.

This is a free public event, but bookings are required. You can join us in person or online. Please note in-person bookings will close 48 hours before the event.

The Christchurch Conversations 2025 programme is supported by the Christchurch City Council through the Sustainability Fund. We wish to thank Event Partners Adaptation Futures Conference 2025, University of Canterbury and Beca for making this event possible..