The debate is over. All life on planet Earth is threatened by man-made climate change. Within our lifetimes, the oceans will rise, weather will get more extreme, our air, soil, and water will become more tainted and toxic. Animals will perish en masse – and humans are at serious risk too.

New Zealand emits twice as much carbon dioxide per capita as China. Our agriculture and energy industries are already unsustainable. So how will climate change affect our natural world, our society, and our culture? And what can we do to halt the looming catastrophe?

Dr. James Renwick, Dr. Lyn Carter, Dr. Sylvia Nissen, and Dr. Meg Parsons gave their views during a public panel discussion at the University of Auckland, December 17, 2018. The discussion was moderated by Maria Armoudian, Lecturer in Politics and International Relations at the University of Auckland.

James Renwick is a Professor in the School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences at Victoria University. He is an expert in climate science.

Lyn Carter is an Adjunct Professor in the School of Maori, Pacific & Indigenous Studies at Otago University. She is an expert in indigenous diaspora and identity.

Sylvia Nissen is a Lecturer in the Faculty of Environment, Society & Design at Lincoln University. She is an expert in environmental politics and policy.

Meg Parsons is a Lecturer in the School of the Environment at the University of Auckland. She is an expert in indigenous people and sustainability.


For more of our audio and visual content, check out our YouTube channel, or head to the University of Auckland’s manuscripts and archives collection.

Disclaimer: The ideas expressed in this discussion reflect the views of the guests and not necessarily the views of The Big Q. 

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