While the world worries about the damaging effects of global warming, New Zealand's southern most city is hoping to use the scourge to its advantage.
Invercargill Mayor Tim Shadbolt says rising temperatures will soon make the cold southern outpost an appealing new home for hundreds of people sick of hot and unpredictable weather in their home towns.
"Australia is a great example," Mr Shadbolt said.
"Half a million Kiwis have moved over there and are always gloating about the lovely climate, but with all the firestorms it's really becoming less appealing.
"Coming to lush, green drought-free, fire-free Invercargill will be a great option for a lot of people."
Invercargill had not seen a population rise in 30 years before a tiny increase of 0.08 per cent was recorded at the 2006 census.
Bold plans like introducing free tertiary education are thought to have helped but too many new residents soon leave, turned off by the lack of jobs, chilly climate and isolation.
Undeterred, Mr Shadbolt has unveiled a grand 30-year plan to increase the population by 25 per cent by boosting the region's energy and forestry industries.
He said experts brought in have told him the so-called sunbelt drift to warmer climates was the biggest threat to the city's population growth.
"But we reckon with global warming kicking in and all this catastrophic climate change coming, maybe having a cold climate could work in our favour."
He said locals liked to think they were environmentally conscious but were all thrilled to hear world temperatures were set to rise by two degrees.
"There were cheers across the city. It will be warmer and this will be the place people will want to be."
He said the city had one other major drawcard.
"We've got the best indoor velodrome in the whole of New Zealand, because it's the only indoor velodrome in the whole of New Zealand."
NZN