Planetary Solutions

Roads are clogged, buses are jammed: the chaos of March is so predictable, but it doesn’t have to be this way.

Professor Brent Young says LNG is not the silver bullet and there are multiple solutions we should be exploring.

Our digital lives are powered by energy-hungry infrastructure running around the clock. Professor Mark Gahegan addresses our exploding demand for data.

The challenge ahead, says Professor Andy Philpott, is bigger and more complex than simply adding more wind farms or solar panels.

Professor Tim Welch says expanding tree cover and other green spaces in Auckland is now critical as summers in the city get hotter.

New Zealand generates huge volumes of waste and recovers only a tiny amount. Professor Saeid Baroutian sets out how a circular economy works, and its benefits.

We can give native species a boost this summer by making some simple choices, University of Auckland ecologists say.

Two leading University academics reflect on their year without flying, the limitations of technology, and realistic change.

Health and transport researcher Dr Jamie Hosking says shifting even one or two commutes a week can deliver big benefits for health, congestion and emissions.

University of Auckland marine scientist Dr Jenny Hillman says vital marine restoration is still in its early days, but gains are already being seen.

Circular-economy expert Dr Julia Fehrer explains how small shifts in what we buy – and don’t buy – can make a meaningful difference at this time of year.

Marine microplastics researcher Dr Samantha Ladewig explains how tyres are the single biggest source of microplastic pollution in New Zealand’s coastal waters.

Property scholar Associate Professor Michael Rehm on how the people-related benefits of building green outweigh the energy savings.

Atmospheric chemist Dr Joel Rindelaub says air pollution remains one of Aotearoa’s biggest and most underestimated environmental health threats.

With food production accounting for a sizeable share of New Zealand’s carbon footprint, Dr Sally Mackay offers some simple, sustainable steps we can all take.

Water Research Centre experts point to a range of ‘emerging’ contaminants and major maintenance challenges for New Zealand's ageing water infrastructure.

Soil scientists Associate Professor Melanie Kah and Dr Amy Zhu are working on innovative approaches to tackle the contaminants in our soil, and soil compaction.

As the world falls behind on emissions and biodiversity goals, Dr Niki Harré shares insights on sustaining hope and purpose in the face of global crises.

The trees lining our streets and parks are quietly delivering a host of benefits. Professor Margaret Stanley highlights five ways they make a difference.