Is Auckland Transport consulting itself into paralysis?

Is endless consultation hindering progress? Timothy Welch challenges Auckland Transport’s decision paralysis on minor transport projects.

Can prehistoric droppings help uncover a new world of conservation?

New research reveals the importance of southern beech trees in the kākāpō’s diet and breeding cycle, aiding conservation efforts.

Can moving beyond growth help land societies in a more stable future?

In this article, Olivia Lazard discusses Europe’s green transition, growth, extraction, conflict, and the need for alternative relationships with natural systems.

Politics & Society

What do Russians really think of the war?

What do Russians really think of the war?

Anthropologist Mark Galeotti challenges four common misconceptions about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, including that the Russian people approve of the war and their regime’s conduct, and that they have become more politically conservative. Rather, Russians remain focused on their daily material concerns and have become more politically apathetic.

Science & Technology

How can we address Covid anxiety?

How can we address Covid anxiety?

Listening to other people’s stories is a powerful way to unite people, and instead of belittling anxieties as illogical, addressing fears with understanding can help us design responses which enable all people to experience security in uncertain times, writes Dr Mary Breheny.

Business & Economics

Can NZ step up and address Earth system decline?

Can NZ step up and address Earth system decline?

The Government of Aotearoa New Zealand has a unique opportunity to demonstrate leadership and action by changing its laws to conform with the laws of nature, writes Klaus Bosselmann. Can NZ step up and help lead?

What would a Green Recovery from COVID-19 look like for Aotearoa New Zealand?

What would a Green Recovery from COVID-19 look like for Aotearoa New Zealand?

To arrest economic downturn, many governments have responded with massive fiscal packages to boost the economy, maintain employment, and stabilise core industries. However, there is deep concern that these economic responses will undermine the goals outlined in the Paris Climate Accords and cause a surge in greenhouse gas emissions.

Why do social ties matter to climate politics?

Why do social ties matter to climate politics?

Policy-makers frequently fail to communicate scientific knowledge about climate change effectively, with the result that targeted groups often reject potentially useful advice. Our research addressed New Zealand dairy farmers’ perceptions of climate conditions and their perceptions of climate science.

Arts & Culture

The fall into the abyss

The fall into the abyss

In April 1909, two waves of massacres shook the province of Adana, located in the southern Anatolia region of modern-day Turkey, killing more than 20,000 Armenians and 2,000 Muslims.

Who are you calling a Nazi?

Who are you calling a Nazi?

While it is all too easy and comfortable to indulge in our Nazi fascination to demonise our enemies, maybe we should still the media chaos just for a moment and reflect. Who are you calling a Nazi? And why?

Ngā Ara Whetū

From farming to fermentation: Could New Zealand ‘brew up’ new foods to reduce agricultural emissions?

From farming to fermentation: Could New Zealand ‘brew up’ new foods to reduce agricultural emissions?

Addressing the problem of New Zealand’s agricultural emissions has mainly focused on technical fixes aimed at reducing methane and nitrous oxide produced by livestock and fertiliser and relying on voluntary agreements with the industry. But these measures may not result in substantial emissions reductions any time soon.

COP27: Breakthrough? Or an inadequate response to the climate crisis?

COP27: Breakthrough? Or an inadequate response to the climate crisis?

For 30 years, developing nations have fought to establish an international fund to pay for the “loss and damage” they suffer as a result of climate change. As the COP27 climate summit in Egypt wrapped up over the weekend, they finally succeeded. While it’s a historic moment, the agreement of loss and damage financing left many details yet to be sorted out. What’s more, many critics have lamented the overall outcome of COP27, saying it falls well short of a sufficient response to the climate crisis.

What can be expected from COP27?

What can be expected from COP27?

The world’s leaders are gathering for another global climate meeting, this time in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. Expect a bustle of promises and pacts from countries and companies. Expect pressure on states to support people who are most and permanently affected by climate change. Don’t expect much more, but equally don’t lay the blame solely on the United Nations.