SUSTAIN

From the Antarctic to the deepest depths of the ocean, microplastics are found in increasingly large numbers. These tiny, seemingly inescapable plastics pose a range of threats to human health, animal life and the ecosystems on which we rely. How can we deal with this avalanche of microplastics? For more, Dr Maria Armoudian speaks to Professor Nathalie Gontard, research director at France's National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment, formerly a professor at the Universities of Montpellier and Kyoto; and Dr Samantha Ladewig, a research fellow at the University of Auckland who studies the effect of microplastic pollution on marine environments.

In recent years, thousands of lawsuits have been filed around the world by private individuals to NGOs and state governments in an attempt to force greater action on climate change through the legal system. They have taken their cases to both national and international courts with claims ranging from human rights to consumer protection. To find out more, Dr Maria Armoudian speaks to experts Dr Corina Heri from the University of Zurich and Sabrina Ashjian from UCLA, as well as Dr James Every-Palmer KC and Jenny Cooper KC, who are the co-founders of Lawyers for Climate Action New Zealand.

On 13th September, Ngā Ara Whetū co-hosted a symposium on the challenges of inequality and environmental degradation with Juncture: Dialogues on Inclusive Capitalism, a research centre based in the Business School at the University of Auckland. Held in the Sir Owen G Glenn Building, the symposium saw experts discuss these twin challenges, drawing upon the work of French economist Thomas Piketty. Convened by Professor Natasha Hamilton-Hart (Management and International Business), the first session saw a keynote address by the Honourable David Parker, the former Attorney-General, followed by talks from Professor Craig Elliffe (Law), Dean Susan Watson (Business School) and Council of Trade Unions Economist and Policy Director Craig Rennie.

Not for the first time, dairy farming and monoculture is in the international spotlight with regards to climate change. Farming is a big part of New Zealand's identity and its economy. So what are the alternatives? One suggestion is turning to what has been called the blue economy, our oceans, and in particular, aquaculture. Prof Andrew Jeffs, from the Institute of Marine Science at the University of Auckland and Clare Bradley, CEO of AgriSea talk to us about the latest research into seaweed farming in New Zealand, its potentially positive impacts on biodiversity, climate change and our coastal communities, and what we can learn from the history of on-land farming.

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.

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.