Climate
'Trajectory is just incredible' - 2024 world's hottest year as temperatures soar
Last year was the world's hottest since records began, with global temperatures exceeding 1.5C above pre-industrial times.
From flooding rain to unmitigated wildfire: Why California is ground zero for disasters
Southern California was underwater less than a year ago. Now, the weather pendulum has swung the other way. Audio
Building material could cut emissions by 16 billion tonnes - study
Switching out concrete and other construction materials for carbon-sucking alternatives could store the equivalent of half of all human-made carbon emissions in 2021.
How Santa Ana 'devil winds' and climate change are fuelling fire conditions in California
Los Angeles is experiencing what's already been declared by some as the worst fires in its history.
What a rare summer La Niña could mean for Australia
The great rainmaker, La Niña, could be back for the fourth time in five years, increasing the prospect of a soaking start to 2025. Video
Biden announces ban on new offshore oil and gas drilling
It's a decision incoming president Donald Trump may find difficult to reverse.
Hydro lakes future in focus over summer
Anxiously watching the levels of the country's hydropower lakes is something of a New Zealand tradition. Hydro - unlike geothermal - can be turned on and off at will, meaning it can supplement… Audio
Cook Strait ferries disrupted for days amid big swells
High winds have put Interislander sailings on hold, with more than 1000 passengers affected.
Australia's southeast braces for extreme fire danger amid intense heatwave
Forecasters warned that temperatures could reach 45C in some parts of Victoria, prompting fire bans.
Fear extreme weather and climate change could ruin Aotearoa's star attraction
"Over half of all international visitors, and 80 percent of New Zealanders, come and visit our stunning landscapes and protected areas every year."
Heat wave caused 'catastrophic loss' in bird species
A marine heat wave has killed approximately half of Alaska's common murre population, marking the largest recorded die-off of a single species in modern history, research has found.
What methane seeping from Antarctic might mean
Methane is escaping from below the seafloor in Antarctica - what are the potential implications for further warming of the planet?
Our Changing World: Antarctic methane seeps
On her recent trip in Antarctica, Claire Concannon caught up with a team of NIWA researchers who are discovering new methane seeps.
These are areas where methane gas or fluid escapes from below the… Audio
Feature interview: The Bhutan Prime Minister, Tshering Tobgay
Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay talks about the G-ZERO initiative and his hope that the world will start redefining its broken relationship with the planet. Audio
What's behind all the seabirds washing up dead?
Unusually high numbers of dead seabirds have been reported on the North Island's west coast beaches.
After months spinning in a vortex, world's biggest iceberg is on the move
The world's largest iceberg is again drifting through the Southern Ocean after months stuck spinning on the same spot.
Why a government gas exploration proposal may be unlawful
Analysis - After reversing the ban on new offshore oil and gas exploration permits, New Zealand's coalition government is now considering whether to share the risks of exploration with the fossil fuel…
Scientists struggle to explain record surge in global heat
In an unprecedented streak between June 2023 and September 2024, global temperatures were unlike anything seen before.
The environmental cost of mega data centres
Microsoft has unveiled a 'hyperscale' data centre in New Zealand and Amazon is opening one soon. Their work is an energy-hungry undertaking. Audio
Climate cost of AI in question
Microsoft has unveiled its first hyperscale data centre in New Zealand joining another colossal centre operated by the company CDC. Climate Change correspondent Eloise Gibson reports. Audio
