The origins of the nature we’ve rediscovered
The roots of the parks and tree-lined streets we are enjoying during the Covid-19 lockdown lie in 19th century colonialists’ belief in the restorative power of nature.
2020 News
-
-
Human influence on Hurricane Harvey far larger than previously thought
New Zealand-led research has found the climate change damages from a single hurricane in the US are more than three times those estimated for the whole country over an entire year. The researchers have created a method to separate the damages caused by the 'normal weather' of a storm, from the damage due to human-induced climate change. They say it means the conventional models are substantially underestimating the current costs of climate change.
-
Using citizen science to help monarch butterflies
Do any of the monarch butterflies in your garden have crumpled and deformed wings? Are they unable to fly and just fall to the ground? Do the pupae (chrysalis) have black spots? If so, they may have a parasite called Ophryocystis elektroscirrha (or OE) that is only found in monarch butterflies.
-
Data isn’t enough for this decision
The numbers can only tell us so much about what kind of society we are and what is acceptable risk for the vulnerable among us, writes Courtney Addison from the Centre for Society in Society.
-
Online course a highlight for BSc student
Lorraine Taylor recently completed her Bachelor of Science with a major in Psychology and a minor in Science in Society. With a particular interest in “how people tick” she originally intended to focus completely on her Psychology major, but found the option to study a number of Science and Society online courses too good to pass up.
-
COVID-19 financial aid an opportunity for long-term change
New Zealand must ensure the billions we borrow for the pandemic financial bailout will also benefit our children in the future, says Professor Ilan Noy, Chair in the Economics of Disasters and Climate Change.
-
Actuarial Science at Victoria University of Wellington now fully accredited with the Actuaries Institute of Australia
Victoria University of Wellington’s Actuarial Science programme has been awarded full accreditation from the Actuaries Institute Australia making it the only one of its kind in New Zealand.
-
Glacier loss likely to continue
Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington and NIWA scientists are exploring the ongoing effects of climate change, including possible impacts from the Australian bushfires, on New Zealand’s glaciers.
-
Science won’t save you (yet), but your boss or neighbour might
Infectious diseases affect communities even when they're not present, with anticipation of disease and its aftermath having consequences for relationships, mental health, productivity, and more, writes Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington's Dr Courtney Addison.
-
New light shed on ancient NZ
Bit-player marine creatures step up to a starring role in the evolution story thanks to research led by Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington's Professor James Crampton.