While it’s impossible to stop all extraction of fossil fuels now, renewable sources are already generating 25% of global electricity demand now and their contribution continues to grow.
Mike Joy, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington
A long-awaited NZ$700 million package to clean up New Zealand’s rivers and lakes has disappointed some of the government’s expert advisers – especially a delay on setting clear pollution limits.
Simon Lamb, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington and Timothy Stern, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington
New research confirms that massive plumes of buoyant hot rock once rose from near the Earth’s core to the surface and triggered vast volcanic eruptions - and that New Zealand sits on top of one.
Countries account for emissions based on all activities that happen within their territory, which means countries that export more than they import will likely have higher per capita emissions.
Ilan Noy, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington
Without genuine global leadership the ability of economies to “build back better” after the disaster caused by COVID-19 will unfairly favour wealthier populations and nations.
Rest homes have been hit hard by COVID-19 deaths and inquiries are looking at possible changes to care. The elephant in the room is that quality care depends on more staff.
Behind the scenes, authors have put in long days in research labs, hospitals or teaching online from home, often while juggling kids – before writing into the night for The Conversation.
It is easy for people in the industrialised world to blame population growth elsewhere for environmental damage. But increased consumption is just as important – if more confronting.
The coronavirus crisis has given experts and specialists worldwide a lot of power. As countries like New Zealand begin to recover, we need to question that power more than ever.
This 2020 budget is not the pivot to a green rebuild many had hoped for. But its short-term focus on caring for people’s health leaves the door open to stronger climate action down the track.
NZ$4.3 billion will go some way to patch up long-standing cracks in New Zealand’s health system. But COVID-19 has shown NZ’s regional approach to health isn’t good enough against a nationwide threat.
Adjunct Professor, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, and Professor of Political Science, Charles Sturt University