New platform focuses on fixes for the planet

In-depth articles about environmental challenges and insights to shape a more sustainable future can be found on the new Planetary Solutions platform on Newsroom.

The platform was the brainchild of University of Auckland Associate Professor and Sustainability Hub Director Maria Armoudian, who worked with Newsroom co-founder Mark Jennings to create a new source of solution-focused environmental news.

Readers can access Planetary Solutions through the Newsroom website, discovering stories about everything from how to reduce the environmental burden of AI to ways to eat better for the planet.

Armoudian says after studying politics, the environment and science communication for more than 20 years, she was concerned by the spread of false news about environmental issues.

Her first book, Kill the Messenger: The Media’s Role in the Fate of the World, examined how established science about climate change was thrown into question by spokespeople from industries that fuel climate change.

“One of the biggest problems we have at the moment is the science on climate change is getting drowned out by people who make money out of industries that emit greenhouse gases and pollute the environment.

“We wanted to create a platform that makes it easy for people to find information about the realities of the environmental crises we’re facing and offering evidence-based solutions,” says Armoudian.

She had noticed a gap in the media and social media, with little available for people or organisations wanting to better understand how to reduce their toll on the planet.

“This is a platform aimed at helping people figure out how they can make a difference for the environment.

“Newsroom was already offering strong, ethical journalism, so they’re a natural partner,” Armoudian says.

The stories so far have been written by former New Zealand Geographic editor Rebekah White and former New Zealand Herald science reporter Jamie Morton.

Now, Armoudian is calling for more writers and academics to contribute stories and analysis pieces for the platform.

While many of the stories so far are in-depth features examining global issues through a New Zealand lens, shorter articles are also welcome, she says.

A wide range of articles for everyone from beginners to experts is available now through Planetary Solutions on Newsroom.

The articles can also be found on the University of Auckland’s News and opinion pages.