Editor's note

The way we think and talk about climate change has shifted. Climate change has become a reality and many people feel a sense of urgency to act on the goal of the Paris Agreement to stop temperatures from rising to more than two degrees above pre-industrial levels.

As New Zealand’s parliament considers a zero carbon bill with targets to bring greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050, polls show people have many questions and are keen to hear from experts. That’s where Climate Change Explained comes in.

The Conversation has teamed up with Stuff and the New Zealand Science Media Centre to provide expert answers to readers’ questions about climate change. We’re launching the series today with a piece about climate change and human health.

Veronika Meduna

New Zealand Editor

Top story

Climate change, together with other ecological pressures, may well undo the gains we have made in health. from www.shutterstock.com

Climate Q&A: will we be less healthy because of climate change?

Alexandra Macmillan, University of Otago

Do you have a question about climate change? This collaboration between The Conversation, Stuff and the New Zealand Science Media Centre gives you the chance to ask – and we'll provide expert answers.

The Australian dollar has already slipped, falling to its lowest point against the US since the global financial crisis. Shutterstock

The China-Trump trade conflict has spread to Australia. We’re now at risk of global currency war

Hui Feng, Griffith University

President Trump's decision to slap tariffs on US$300 billion of China's exports has set up a currency war that has engulfed Australia.

Older Australians aspire to the security of owning their own home, but prefer smaller houses in their later years. yopinco/Shutterstock

What sort of housing do older Australians want and where do they want to live?

Amity James, Curtin University; Sharon Parkinson, Swinburne University of Technology; Steven Rowley, Curtin University; Wendy Stone, Swinburne University of Technology

Most older Australians want to live in a home they own, preferably in the middle and outer suburbs of a city. But increasing numbers look unlikely to realise their housing aspirations.

Only more gas and less demand will shift gas prices. There’s only so much the government can do. Shutterstock

Gas prices are set to stay high. The government’s moves, while welcome, won’t achieve much

Tony Wood, Grattan Institute

Only an optimist would expect prices to fall after a series of announcements, some of which are to "consider" doing something.

Politics + Society

Environment + Energy

Health + Medicine

  • Curious Kids: why is urine yellow?

    Jaquelyne Hughes, Menzies School of Health Research

    One of the waste products that your kidneys put into your urine is a chemical called urobilin, and it is yellow.

  • Why do I grunt when I bend over?

    Andrew Lavender, Curtin University

    Is grunting a sign that we’re ageing fast? Or is it just one of those things that come with the middle years, like reading glasses, greying hair and 'dad jokes'?

Arts + Culture

Education

Science + Technology

  • Curious Kids: why is air colder the higher up you go?

    Zoran Ristovski, Queensland University of Technology; Branka Miljevic, Queensland University of Technology

    It helps if you imagine the ground here on Earth as a big heater. It keeps us warm, and if you move away from the heater you feel cold.

  • AI is here to stay. Now we need to ensure everyone benefits

    Juliet A. Gerrard, University of Auckland; Kyle Webster, University of Auckland; Stuart McNaughton, University of Auckland; Tahu Kukutai, University of Waikato

    Artificial intelligence is predicted to contribute some US$15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030. A new report looks at issues specific to New Zealand.

 

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