A Maori environmentalist says everyone has a part to play in addressing climate change.

Mike Smith is one of the organisers of the Iwi Chairs Forum's emergency climate summit in Wellington later this month that brings together Maori leaders, scientists, and economic development experts.

He says it's too late to stop climate change, but there is a chance to slow it down if everyone plays their part.

Maori communities along the Whanganui River have started organising their own civil defence so they can respond to emergencies such as floods and extreme weather events.

Ngai Tahu has also set up climate assessment teams to assess risk look at mitigation.

"You have to be crazy these days to build new ventures or purchase any new properties right ion the shoreline so it is not just about what you do. It's also about what you don't do. So ity's getting a 360 degree view on development and what are the climate aspects of that," Mr Smith says.

He says it's best to talk now than when the waves are crashing through the window.

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