Why We Are “Energy Blind" - James Hughes

Climate change is no longer just an environmental issue — it’s becoming a major issue for property, insurance and infrastructure.

In this episode of Home Run, we explore what a changing climate could mean for New Zealand homeowners, investors, developers and communities.

From rising flood risk and coastal inundation to insurance pricing, property values and the future of urban development, we look at the challenges New Zealand could face over the next 20 years.The conversation also explores the global energy system, why the world remains heavily dependent on fossil fuels, the rapid growth of renewables, and the difficult transition ahead.

With around 15% of New Zealand’s housing stock estimated to be exposed to a 1-in-100-year floodplain, climate risk is becoming an increasingly important part of property due diligence.

In this episode:

• Why climate change is making extreme weather more volatile

• The growing importance of flood and hazard maps

• What climate risk could mean for property insurance

• Why some homes could face higher premiums — or difficulty obtaining cover

• How site-specific flood assessments can refine council mapping

• Managed retreat and property-level adaptation

• The future of NZ infrastructure and urban design

• Why climate change could increase inequality between communities

• What New Zealand property owners should be thinking about now

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Introduction: Climate Change & NZ Property

01:05 – Has the World Already Passed 1.5°C?

03:10 – The Global Energy Problem

05:25 – Why We Are “Energy Blind”

07:40 – Are Renewables Really Replacing Fossil Fuels?

10:05 – What Climate Change Means for New Zealand

12:30 – Floods, Droughts & Extreme Weather

15:00 – The Growing Risk to NZ Property

17:15 – How Many NZ Homes Are Exposed to Flood Risk?

19:40 – Climate Change & Insurance Premiums

22:00 – Could Some Homes Become Uninsurable?

24:15 – Understanding Council Flood Maps

26:30 – When Property Owners Should Get a Flood Assessment

28:45 – Managed Retreat: What Happens to High-Risk Homes?

31:10 – Protecting Property From Climate Risk

33:20 – What Will NZ Property Look Like in 20 Years?

35:45 – Climate Change & Growing Inequality

38:10 – Designing Better, More Resilient Cities

40:20 – What Property Owners Need to Think About Now

42:00 – Final Thoughts

Is climate risk the next major factor shaping where and how New Zealanders live?

Watch the full episode and join the conversation.

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