New Zealand Records Hottest Year on Record, Urging Climate Action

In 2025, New Zealand experienced its hottest year on record, with land and sea temperatures reaching unprecedented levels, according to a report by climate scientist Dr. Jim Salinger. This data, part of the "New Zealand Temperature Tracker 2025," indicates that the average temperature was 1°C above preindustrial levels, with land temperatures alone measuring 1.7°C above the same baseline. Salinger noted that the five hottest years in New Zealand's history have all occurred since 2018, highlighting an alarming acceleration in climate change.

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The report emphasizes that the rising temperatures are not merely statistical anomalies but are indicative of significant changes in weather patterns, ecosystems, and overall climate stability. Salinger pointed out that the warming trend is linked to more frequent extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and increased risks to health and food security. The findings suggest that New Zealand's economy, heavily reliant on its oceans, is also at risk due to ocean warming, which affects marine ecosystems and fisheries.

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In response to these findings, Dr. Salinger and the Climate Club NZ Science Panel have launched a campaign encouraging New Zealanders to take practical climate action. The initiative challenges citizens to replace one car trip per week with walking, cycling, or using public transport. Emily Mabin Sutton, Chief Executive of Climate Club, stated that such small changes could collectively lead to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, potentially saving the equivalent of Fiji's annual emissions if adopted widely.

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Despite the urgency expressed by climate scientists, there are dissenting views regarding the government's response to climate change. Critics argue that the current administration's policies are insufficient and overly influenced by corporate interests, particularly from industries like dairy and mining. This has led to concerns about the government's commitment to addressing climate issues effectively.

Scientists Urge Action After ‘Hottest Year on Record’ for Zealandia

Dr. Salinger remarked, “These aren’t just numbers on a page. This is the story of how our climate is changing, written in one of the longest and most reliable temperature datasets in the Southern Hemisphere.” He emphasized the need for informed decisions regarding climate adaptation and mitigation. Sutton added, “Taking just one action feels doable, and is how we move from anxiety to agency.”

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The Climate Club is actively promoting its challenge to New Zealanders, providing resources for individuals and communities to advocate for better transport options and climate action. The ongoing monitoring of temperature trends and their implications will continue to inform policy decisions and community initiatives aimed at mitigating climate change impacts.

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While Salinger's report indicates 2025 as the hottest year, other sources, such as Earth Sciences NZ, have ranked it as the fourth hottest year based solely on land temperatures. This discrepancy highlights the need for consistent methodologies in climate reporting and analysis.

Scientists Urge Action After ‘Hottest Year on Record’ for Zealandia

• “This is the story of how our climate is changing, written in one of the longest and most reliable temperature datasets in the Southern Hemisphere. What we’re seeing is an acceleration – the warming is speeding up, not slowing down.” — Dr. Jim Salinger, Climate Scientist

Hottest year on record for Zealandia prompts call to action from climate scientists – Climate Club

• “By taking one step, you realise that it’s easy, possible and better in some ways. There’s massive benefits to swapping one car trip and it’s something that most of us can do. If every New Zealander replaced only one out of five car trips each week, collectively we would save the entire annual greenhouse gas emissions of Fiji every year.” — Emily Mabin Sutton, Chief Executive, Climate Club NZ

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