We interrupted our normal program to bring you James Hansen’s lecture that he gave at Otago University on the 18th May 2011.
He talks about climate change, what the future may hold for our children and grandchildren and how we may be able to solve some of these problems.
Jeanette Fitzsimons in a wide ranging interview talks about lignite mining, her current tour with James Hansen of the NASA Goddard Institute, why politicians are not moving on climate change issues, her view of what an activist is and life after being an MP.
Shane’s number of the week: 50% – the UK govt. has just  announced that it is to adopt plans to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 50% on 1990 levels by 2025 reaching 60% by 2030.
Energy Cultures – do they exist, how would we find out what they are and how can we change them?
We talk with Paul Thorsnes, Maria Ioannou and Daniel Gnoth about this new area of research.
The three-year Energy Cultures research project has recently begun. Based at CSAFE (Centre for the Study of Agriculture, Food and Environment) the study aims for a better understanding of household energy consumption behaviours and encouraging behaviour change to more energy efficient technologies.
Headed by OERC members Prof. Rob Lawson, Prof. Gerry Carrington, Dr. Janet Stephenson, and Dr. Paul Thorsnes, the project combines a variety of research specialisations for a multi-disciplinary, multi-method research approach.
Shane’s number of the week: 80% – for just the cost of 1% of GDP the entire world could move to meet 80% of its energy needs from renewable energy resources.
A Green MP since 2002, Metiria was elected Green Party Co-leader in 2009.
In a wide ranging and fascinating interview we talk to Metiria about her father, green politics, rude politicians, poverty, what a sustainable economy would look like and whether she would like to be the first co-Prime Minister of New Zealand Aotearoa.
Metiria’s focus is policy work that helps build a more fair society, as well as electoral law reform and children’s issues. She’s previously led campaigns to save our National Parks from mining, protect the Mokihinui River, and has fought for greater protection of marine animals and the marine environment. Metiria also advocates for implementation of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, restorative justice, and a quality public education system. With a law degree from Auckland, Metiria has previously worked as a lawyer at Simpson Grierson and as an advocate for the unemployed and beneficiaries.
When able to escape the world of politics, Metiria spends time with her family in Dunedin.
Shane’s number of the week:Â 90%
– there is a 90% increase in the risk of psychological illness when you experience food insecurity in New Zealand.
Sam’s joined up thinking:Â Earth Day – “mother earth is having her human rights recognised” but we’re a long way off an understanding of what this means (read more>>).
Jinty MacTavish is a youth worker, film maker, and now a Dunedin City councilor. Jinty talks about the potential affects of climate change on Dunedin city.
Shane’s number of the week: 200,000 to 300,000 – this is the estimated number of  child soldiers in the world.
Sam’s Joined-up-thinking: Making the invisible visible: looking at the world and understanding the invisible dangers and consequences of our actions on sustainability.
