Methane, did I get it wrong?

(Cover image credit: Calm the Farm)On this website, I have written how the hydroxyl radical, derived from water vapour in the presence of ultraviolet light (UV), oxidises methane. This is simplified but essentially correct, but I went on to claim that the quantum of hydroxyl radicals produced in a pastoral setting is sufficient to oxidise … Continue reading Methane, did I get it wrong?

Agri-Food value chains

In September 2025 the Food and Land Use Coalition published Re-WIRE Agri-Food Value Chains. The report presents a framework to map risks and opportunities across major commodity value chains (e.g. beef, soy, cocoa), showing how climate, regulatory, financial, and human rights pressures are reshaping agrifood systems, and offering pathways for more resilient, regenerative supply chains. … Continue reading Agri-Food value chains

More evidence on the mitigation value of trees

Aerial image credit: Wendy Bown As a preamble for this post, the climate crisis calls on us to use trees and other vegetation to heal the climate. We must always remember that trees are valuable for their own worth. The policy document Te Mana o te Wai, expresses this value for water - the first … Continue reading More evidence on the mitigation value of trees

Climate change and the great lurch backwards

The new coalition government has moved to undo some good climate policy and take Aotearoa back to the past. These policy moves are: Scrapping the Clean Car Discount Raising speed limits Stopping cycling and walking infrastructure developments Removing or reducing environmental protections Winding back progress on policy diversity (mātauranga Māori). These policies will hamper our … Continue reading Climate change and the great lurch backwards