Biophilia is our attraction to other forms of life manifested in a desire to commune with nature. The energy we put into our pets, our gardens, and the recreational activities that immerse us in nature are the places where this deep human need is met. Plants add huge value aesthetically and contribute to our well-being … Continue reading Could WHANGĀREI be a Biophilic City?
Author: Peter Bruce-iri
Open letter: Aotearoa New Zealand needs climate policy that addresses our unique challenges
Our climate change policies are inadequate and will limit our ability to make any meaningful difference for mitigating climate change. The national climate narrative is fixated on primary production and specifically farming. In assessing the climate impact of farming, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide and methane emissions are the main focus. This sets the scene for … Continue reading Open letter: Aotearoa New Zealand needs climate policy that addresses our unique challenges
How plants cool and heal the climate
My book How plants cool and heal the climate: Finding solutions close to home is now published and available on Amazon as a paperback or hardback. I will have copies from the printer by the end of July. Here's the cover. While we have to stop using fossil fuels as soon as possible, solutions to … Continue reading How plants cool and heal the climate
A PHOSPHATE STORY
Superphosphate, manufactured by treating phosphate rock with sulphuric acid, has been a mainstay of New Zealand farming. Phosphate is also available as partially acidulated phosphate and as untreated phosphate rock. This brief exploration of the phosphate fertiliser raises questions about its continued use and contrasts Māori and Pākehā perspectives. The story of the terra preta … Continue reading A PHOSPHATE STORY
Renewable Energy Zones
Transpower, along with Top Energy and Northpower are proposing Northland as the pilot region for renewable energy zones (REZ) in Aotearoa. To enable a REZ, the transmission lines need to be upgraded. This map shows the distribution networks for our lines companies. Note the high capacity 220 kv line between Bream Bay and Auckland. It … Continue reading Renewable Energy Zones