On 21 October 2025 Professor Marjolijn Haasnoot delivered a public lecture on Accelerating climate adaptation in an uncertain world.
Presented by Te Puna Pātiotio—Antarctic Research Centre and Our Changing Coast programme, the lecture was followed by a panel discussion.
Deltas and coasts are attractive places to live but face growing challenges due to climate change and human pressures. While people have always adapted to changing conditions, the new climate reality requires reconsideration of our adaptation strategies and how we live. Governments have an important role in adapting to climate change. However, they cannot prevent all risks requiring citizens, communities and businesses to engage in adaption as well.
Professor Marjolijn Haasnoot is an expert on climate change adaptation in deltas and coasts, working at Utrecht University and Deltares. She has a background in environment science, water management, integrated assessment modelling and decision making under high uncertainty. She is the founder of the Dynamic Adaptive Policy Pathways approach.
She has conducted research around the world, including the United States, the Netherlands, Bangladesh, Vietnam and New Zealand. Marjolijn is a member of the Science Council of Deltares, is lead author for the Sixth and Seventh Assessment Report of the IPCC. Since 2023 and is a member of the Scientific Climate Council of the Netherlands, which provides the government with advice on climate policy.
Professor Marjolijn Haasnoot talked about the evolving adaptation solution space, the range of options and strategies, and how long they will be effective.
The lecture was followed by a panel discussion on at the state of climate adaptation, and what is needed to ensure an equitable and sustainable climate resilient future for New Zealand.
The discussion was facilitated by Professor Tim Naish, Chair, World Climate Research Programme, Victoria University of Wellington and Dr Richard Levy, co-leader, Our Changing Coast programme, Earth Sciences NZ.
Panellists included Professor Jonathan Boston, Public Policy Expert, Victoria University of Wellington; Adjunct Professor Judy Lawrence, Adaptation Expert, New Zealand Climate Change Commissioner; Dr Iain Dawe, Coastal Hazards Practitioner, Greater Wellington Regional Council, and Cheryl Dilks, Associate Climate Change Risk & Adaptation Advisor, Beca Consulting.
