How can we deal with the threat posed by microplastics?
From the Antarctic to the deepest depths of the ocean, microplastics are found in increasingly large numbers. These tiny, seemingly inescapable plastics pose a range of threats to human health, animal life and the ecosystems on which we rely. How can we deal with this avalanche of microplastics? For more, Dr Maria Armoudian speaks to Professor Nathalie Gontard, research director at France's National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment, formerly a professor at the Universities of Montpellier and Kyoto; and Dr Samantha Ladewig, a research fellow at the University of Auckland who studies the effect of microplastic pollution on marine environments.
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31:26
What is the link between authoritarianism and climate change?
Despite increasing signs of a climate in crisis, false information about this scientific reality continues to drive decision-making at the highest level, particularly in countries which have recently taken a turn towards authoritarianism. Who is spreading this false information, and how can we confront it? To find out more about this, Dr Maria Armoudian speaks to professors Eve Darian-Smith, of the University of California, Irvine; and Stuart McNaughton, of the University of Auckland.
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36:49
What can we do about rising sea levels?
Across the world, rising sea levels have become a pressing issue for coastal communities. Driven by our changing climate, sea level rise is already having a range of impacts, from increased flooding to the salinization of freshwater resources. To discuss this growing threat, Ben Goldson speaks to Professor Karin Bryan from the University of Auckland’s School of Environment; Professor William Glamore from the University of New South Wales’ School of Civil and Environmental Engineering; and Dr Richard Bulmer, the director of private consultancy group Tidal Research.
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21:20
What role can litigation play in fighting climate change?
In recent years, thousands of lawsuits have been filed around the world by private individuals to NGOs and state governments in an attempt to force greater action on climate change through the legal system. They have taken their cases to both national and international courts with claims ranging from human rights to consumer protection. To find out more, Dr Maria Armoudian speaks to experts Dr Corina Heri from the University of Zurich and Sabrina Ashjian from UCLA, as well as Dr James Every-Palmer KC and Jenny Cooper KC, who are the co-founders of Lawyers for Climate Action New Zealand.
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48:40
How can we tackle income inequality and environmental degradation? (Part Two)
On 13th September, Ngā Ara Whetū co-hosted a symposium on the challenges of inequality and environmental degradation with Juncture: Dialogues on Inclusive Capitalism, a research centre based in the Business School at the University of Auckland. Held in the Sir Owen G Glenn Building, the symposium saw experts discuss these twin challenges, drawing upon the work of French economist Thomas Piketty.
Chairing the second session was Associate Professor Dan Hikuroa (Māori Studies), with the second panel featuring talks by Professor Emilson Silva (Business School), Dr Lynn Riggs (Motu Research) and Dr David Hall (Social Sciences and Humanities).
SUSTAIN the podcast of Ngā Ara Whetū: Centre for Climate, Biodiversity and Society. Focuses on environmental issues facing both New Zealand and globally. Roundtable robust discussions include guests working in academia, business, government and public sectors.
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