Associate Professor Martin Brook is a Chartered Geologist (CGeol) and director of the Master of Engineering geology degree at the University of Auckland. Martin was part of the landslide emergency response team for the Gisborne state of emergency in November 2021 and has published over 80 journal articles with many focusing on landslide investigations and satellite monitoring, particularly on urban landslides in New Zealand’s North Island.

Following the deadly storm, and consequent widespread damages, that impacted Auckland and its surrounds earlier this year, Martin penned several thought-provoking articles on just why so many landslides occurred and what can be done moving forward for the anxious communities recovering from these tragic events. We discuss this and more.

In this episode we discuss:
• Martin’s background in Applied Geology and land stability assessment
• Geology basics
• Soil variability and risks of geohazards
• Seasonal changes, climate change and the risk of landslides
• Land use change and increased geohazards – the impact of forestry and agriculture
• Previous and current policies and planning acts and the lack of consideration for geohazards
• Potential changes to insurance policies moving forward
• Lessons not learnt from past geohazard events
• The need for spongy cities
• Climate change adaptation and how to build back smarter

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