SUSTAIN

As the climate crisis continues, flooding has become an increasingly serious problem, causing death and destruction all over the world. How can we adapt to this new reality? Dr Maria Armoudian speaks with experts Gary Brierley and Tim Welch to find out.

On Earth Day 2024, Ngā Ara Whetū partnered with Te Aka Mātauranga Matepukupuku, the Centre for Cancer Research, to discuss the ubiquitous presence of plastics in our environment, and the impact they are having to the land, sea, air, animals, and on our own health and well-being.

The transdisciplinary panel discussion featured Dr Joel Rindelaub (Chemical Sciences), Dr Samantha Ladewig (Marine Science), Assoc. Professor Anne Gasket (Biological Sciences), Assoc. Professor George Laking (Medical Oncology, Manutaki Haumanu Māori of Te Aka), and Dr Manuel Vallee (Sociology), moderated by Dr Maria Armoudian (Co-Executive Director of Ngā Ara Whetū). Together, the panelists covered topics ranging from the chemical make-up of different plastics, the pollution that arises from their production, how they spread into our environments, and the health implications for us and other animals.

Guatemala is one of the most dangerous countries in the world for land and environmental activists, with a history of indigenous genocide linked to colonial land grabs, the Cold War and deadly coups. Dr Pauline Herbst speaks with Maya Q’eqchi’ community leader in education Fredy Oxom and anthropologist Dr Callie Vandewiele to find out why a silent indigenous led protest is important for biodiversity.

Governments and others have advocated to offset carbon emissions by planting more trees, but is this really the long-term solution?

Invasive species are costing us billions of dollars, but what can be done about it? Maria Armoudian talks to ecological experts Jacqueline Beggs and Al Glen to find out.