In a world-first, a New Zealand study has confirmed microplastics are present in Antarctica’s Ross Island region. Kiwi researchers analysed fresh snow from 19 sites, finding an average concentration of 29 microplastic particles per litre of melted snow. These microplastics most likely come from plastic products used at local scientific research stations, however, this team’s modelling also suggests their origin could have been up to 6,000 km away.
Joe spoke to Dr Holly Winton, a Research Fellow in Antarctic ice core climatology from the Antarctic Research Centre, Victoria University of Wellington, on the matter.
Data collected by the Helen Clark Foundation has shown fast food and takeaway businesses make over $1 billion dollars a year on average or three million dollars a day.
So why is this industry so lucrative? Host Christina Huang asked Dr Michael Hale, a public health doctor at the Auckland Regional Public Health Service.
Earlier this year, Associate Professor Leah Watkins, from the Marketing department at the University of Otago, ran a study using bodycams on children and found they were exposed to nearly a brand per minute. Christina asked her about the impact of kids seeing so much marketing.
As per usual, we have Dear Science with Alan Blackman today. We talk about Ernest Rutherfod, sex and bloody mozzies.
Jess speaks to Caitlin Wilson, a YWRC Help Centre Co-ordinator, and Dr Mike Webster about new research published by the Human Rights Commission that shows there is still a high prevalence of workplace bullying and harassment in Aotearoa, with two in five people saying they have been bullied at work. Joe also looks at this new research. He speaks to the Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner, Saunoamaali’i Karanina Sumeo on the matter.
Joe also speaks to Rothman Kam, a Senior Lecturer of Food Science & Microbiology at AUT about how Avocado seeds are being used to manufacturer a new snack and his findings can be used to address avocado wastage.
Earlier this week the City Rail Link reached a milestone, breaking through the end of its final tunnel.
The tunnel boring machine created space for the new rail system by breaking through fifteen metres of cement per day.
The machine was Named after Dame Whina Cooper, the Maori Rights activist who led the hikoi to parliament.
For this week’s segment of City Counselling, I had a chat with Shane Henderson about the City Rail Link milestone as well as the 2022 Mayoral conservation awards.
As per usual, Tuva’a brings us our regular chat with Labour's Andrew Little.
Joe speaks to Mohamed Elkharboutly from Massey University about traditional knowledge being the key to building cyclone-resistant homes in Fiji. Joe also talks to the Chief Executive of Alzheimers NZ, Catherine Hall, about global research indicating concerns in Alzheimers post diagnostic care.
Frances brings us Greendesk! She speaks to CEO Heather Saunderson from Keep New Zealand Beautiful about Clean Up Week.
Joe also speaks to SAFE for Animals CEO Debra Ashton about new data revealing the failure of the international live export trade to protect New Zealand’s animals.
A new comprehensive review of global ocean temperature data has allowed researchers to paint a clear picture of ocean warming since the 1950s, and predict future warming scenarios.
They found that if we don’t take action, the rate of ocean warming will be four times larger than the current level by 2090, with dire consequences for all life on Earth.
However, Authors also point out that if the world succeeds in limiting global surface temperature to 2°C above pre-industrial levels, as per the Paris Agreement, the acceleration of ocean warming will stop at around 2030, highlighting the need for urgent action to mitigate climate change
Joe spoke to Dr Kevin Trenberth, from the University of Auckland, who co-authored the study on the matter
News and Editorial Director Jess Hopkins speaks to David Seymour in our weekly chat with the ACT Party.
Joe looks at the suicide rate dropping for the third year as well as having a korero about mental health. He speaks to Shaun Robinson, the Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation, and Kaaren Mathias, a Senior Lecturer from the University of Canterbury.
We have Eurovision with our European Correspondent Cameron Adams!
Joe also speaks to Rhys Jones Associate Professor Te Kupenga Hauora Maori, at the University of Auckland about Health inequities between Māori and non-Māori adults costing NZ$863.3 million per year.
Yesterday, the Annual Provision Suicide Data was released. It showed that 538 people died by suspected suicide, down from 607 the year before and 628 in the year to 2020.
This release showed the rate per 100,000 was 10.2, which is statistically lower than the average rate over the last 13 financial years. It is also the third year in row suicides have decreased.
The Mental Health Foundation says, "each of these 538 people leave behind grieving whānau and friends. We send you all our aroha and acknowledge your deep pain and loss.”
Joe spoke to the Chief Executive of The Mental Health Foundation, Shaun Robinson, on the matter.
The 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference, commonly known as COP27 is soon set to take place in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt.
This is the first COP27 to take place since Russia invaded Ukraine, which has brought world tensions to their brink and seen focus on climate legislation delayed.
That being said, action on the climate crisis remains important - in Europe alone the temperature is rising at .5 degrees celsius per decade according to the World Meteorological Organisation.
To learn more about what this conference will look like, Liam spoke to Bronwyn Hayward, a political science professor at the University of Canterbury.
95bFM