New Zealand gov't boosts Antarctic climate research

WELLINGTON, May 1 (Xinhua) -- The New Zealand government will invest 49 million NZ dollars over the next seven years to advance Antarctic research, with a focus on climate change impacts that could directly affect New Zealand, a senior official said on Thursday.

"What happens in Antarctica matters to us here in New Zealand," said Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Shane Reti.

Melting Antarctic ice contributes to rising sea levels, which increase the risk of coastal erosion and flooding, endangering homes and communities, Reti said.

The funding continues support for the Antarctic Science Platform, first launched under Budget 2017, which has delivered vital research, including modelling ice sheet behavior to improve sea-level rise forecasts, the minister said.

This funding strengthens New Zealand's position as a key player in Antarctic science and reinforces collaboration with partners, he said.

As a founding member of the Antarctic Treaty and one of only five gateway countries to the continent, New Zealand has a duty to protect Antarctica and the Southern Ocean, Reti said.

Key focus areas for the next phase include stability of the West Antarctic ice sheet, changing dynamics in the atmosphere and Southern Ocean, ecosystem risks in the Ross Sea, and shifts in land and nearshore environments. (1 NZ dollar equals 0.59 U.S. dollar) Enditem