Environment – Views & Research

We analysed 30 years of debate on genetic modification. This is what’s been missing

Sylvia Nissen, Lincoln University, New Zealand; Alexandra Palmer, Lincoln University, New Zealand, and Raven Cretney, Lincoln University, New Zealand

Kauri dieback threatens more than trees: it could change how much carbon forests store

Pin Jia Chan, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau and Luitgard Schwendenmann, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau

The same satellite can have military and civilian functions. This creates a dilemma for NZ

Carolle Varughese, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau; Priyanka Dhopade, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau, and Sarah Hendrica Bickerton, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau

A communications satellite orbiting Earth

Cities across the world are sinking because of groundwater depletion. But the process can be reversed

Jesse Kearse, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington

A city with high tides spilling over a seawall

Ahead of the global climate summit, Pacific leaders call on nations to keep 1.5°C within reach

Vaeno Wayne Vigulu, Solomon Islands National University; Richard Levy, Earth Sciences New Zealand, and Tim Naish, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale opening a conference in Honiara

‘Spring queening’ time will be crucial for finding any surviving yellow-legged hornets

Phil Lester, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington

September’s ozone hole was the biggest in 20 years. The warning signs appeared months ago

Hannah E. Kessenich, University of Otago; Annika Seppälä, University of Otago, and Dan Smale, Earth Sciences New Zealand

Why do some robots feel creepy? We deliberately built one to find out

Jessica Turner, University of Waikato; Jemma König, University of Waikato, and Nicholas Vanderschantz, University of Waikato

humanoid robots, one looking to camera with red eyes

NZ’s new emergency management law sets the rules. Trust and connection are key to it working

Todd Miller, Auckland University of Technology

Aerial view of homes inundated by mud and silt, following Cyclone Gabrielle on February 17, 2023.

Read NZ's best experts in science, health, business and more.

Get our free NZ Weekly newsletter

A landscape view of lush pasture, with low hills in the background

Imported phosphate for fertiliser is expensive – could this homegrown alternative be a solution?

Leo M Condron, Lincoln University, New Zealand

Auckland has an overlooked traffic pollution problem – and it’s not from exhausts

Mingyue Selena Sheng, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau and Le Wen, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau

Working with nature can help NZ adapt to climate change. Where is the plan to do it?

Bradley Case, Auckland University of Technology

Listening to the bush: how AI can help NZ rid its wilderness of ‘hold-out’ pest possums

Akbar Ghobakhlou, Auckland University of Technology

Earlier volcano warnings could mean more false alarms – but they could also save lives

Alberto Ardid, University of Canterbury; David Dempsey, University of Canterbury; Garry McDonald, University of Canterbury, and Shane Cronin, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau

How underwater ‘booms’ could provide earlier warning of deadly volcanic tsunamis

Shane Cronin, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau and Jose Carlos Borrero, University of Southern California

Ships stuck in the Strait of Hormuz region may be biosecurity risks when they leave. What can we do?

Chad Hewitt, Lincoln University, New Zealand; Gregory Ruiz, Smithsonian Institution; Ian Davidson, Cawthron Institute, and Mario Tamburri, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science

Crude oil tankers, bulk carriers and other vessels idle at anchor as they wait to pass the Strait of Hormuz.

Dianne Brunton, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau; Kristal Cain, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau, and Richard O'Rorke, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau

Bird flu is here to stay. NZ’s response must keep adapting as the virus takes hold

NZ’s invasive pest control needs a new approach – starting with local government reform

Philip Hulme, Lincoln University, New Zealand

A single Mediterranean fanworm on a flat muddy seabed, with a field of club tunicates in background.

During eruptions, misinformation can spread further than ash. How can we spot it?

Janine Krippner, University of Waikato and Heather Handley, Museums Victoria Research Institute; Monash University

NZ has spent years preparing for H5N1 bird flu. For some species, it may not be enough

Tammy Steeves, University of Canterbury

How will this year’s record-breaking El Niño affect NZ and the world? 5 things to know

Kevin Trenberth, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau

Environment – Views & Research – The Conversation

Top stories