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Robert McLachlan

@robertmclachlan.bsky.social
732 followers 214 following 1.2K posts

New Zealand mathematician, writing on climate & the environment at planetaryecology.org

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Robert McLachlan @robertmclachlan.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Oops, got my numbers flipped, it's 300 electric trucks and 900 buses. Electric buses are a bright spot, 10% of all bus-kilometres in the country have been flipped electric in no time at all.
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Robert McLachlan @robertmclachlan.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Same thing in NZ: same population as Ireland, both emit 3-4 MtCO2/year from heavy vehicles. NZ has 200k trucks & buses, of which just 900 (mostly smaller) trucks and 300 buses are electric.
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Robert McLachlan @robertmclachlan.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
" - there is one thing we should all be 100% sure about. CO2 is a fertiliser because it carries one of the 16 essential nutrients (carbon, C) required for plant growth. "
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Robert McLachlan @robertmclachlan.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Check out Doug Edmeades, he was prolific in the rural papers around the time of your study. "Irrespective of where you fall on the human-induced-global-warming spectrum - alarmist or sceptic... www.ruralnewsgroup.co.nz/tag/doug-edm...
ruralnewsgroup.co.nz
doug edmeades
You are viewing content tagged with 'doug edmeades' - Rural News Group, Rural, Dairy and Wine News
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Robert McLachlan @robertmclachlan.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Front page news in The Press! I am surprised that 9 of the 10 farmers interviewed were 'mistrustful' of climate science, thought it might be 3 or 4. The study says they rely on the farming papers like Rural News, which is one of the last mainstream media outlets that still platform climate deniers.
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Te Ara Paerangi Com - Research Advocacy Capability @te-ara-paerangi.community · 04/10/2026
Whānau, yesterday I posted a link to this documentary. Today, I am asking for your help to spread the word by clicking through to our community site, clicking on the share button, and sharing with other social media sites you are on. I am trying to achieve two things with this request. 🇳🇿 #NZPOL
te-ara-paerangi.community
Hīkoi for Health Documentary
I was really impressed with the team when they came to Palmerston North. They are passionate, knowledgeable, and downright determined to fight for a health care system that works for everyone. One of ...
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Robert McLachlan @robertmclachlan.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
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Robert McLachlan @robertmclachlan.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
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Robert McLachlan @robertmclachlan.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Big calvings at the Tasman Glacier recently. I wonder what the lake area is now? Photo: Beck Jell.
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Science Media Centre NZ @smcnz.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Investment plans for science, innovation and tech released – Expert Reaction
sciencemediacentre.co.nz
Investment plans for science, innovation and tech released - Expert Reaction
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has released its plans which will guide science investment all the way through to 2031. They are organised around the Science Investment Plan’s…
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Paul Le Comte 🇳🇿🇨🇦📷 @paullecomtephoto.nz · 30/09/2026
Context
A chart showing new EV & PHEV sales over the years.  The market absolutely fell out when the new National govt had a fucking insane idea to stop incentives to get EVs, then when Trump thought he should start a war instead of going to jail for being a Pedo & fuel prices went through the roof, EV sales have risen again
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Robert McLachlan @robertmclachlan.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Another massive month for EVs in NZ EV with 4138 new light EVs (ie cars, utes, and vans combined) sold, 2nd highest on record. 25% market share. Source: evdb.nz, always quick to update.
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Robert McLachlan @robertmclachlan.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Did you know Palmerston North is the Chinese pig-roasting capital of New Zealand? temanawamuseumsociety.org/2026/09/26/p...
temanawamuseumsociety.org
Pig Roasting Paddle
Rodney Wong ONZM Pig roasting paddle, c. 1970s, private collection. Photograph: Freddie Errazo. Image credit: Te Manawa Museum Society, CC BY-NC 4.0. Chinese pig roasting There is a rich culture of…
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Bronwyn Hayward @bmhayward.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
My position on why the EU- NZ trade agreement complaint’s so serious- we can’t have it both ways - we can’t claim to be honest brokers on a world stage while at home we’re not keeping to the fair climate/sustainability rules we expect our trade partners to also stick to www.rnz.co.nz/news/politic...
rnz.co.nz
'Stakes could not be higher': Concern over claim NZ breached FTA climate commitments
International relations experts are warning a case claiming New Zealand is not meeting EU trade agreement climate commitments could seriously impact the country's reputation.
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Rohan MacMahon @rohmac.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
If you’re flying internationally, the emissions don’t even count towards NZ’s emissions target. The Climate Commission wanted to include them, but the Govt decided otherwise. www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2025/12/04/s...
sciencemediacentre.co.nz
Shipping and aviation emissions excluded from NZ's climate targets - Expert Reaction
The Government has decided to not include international shipping and aviation emissions in our 2050 target, going against the Climate Change Commission's recommendations. Today's announcement confirms...
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Cate Macinnis-Ng @loraxcate.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
#NZPol www.rnz.co.nz/news/politic...
rnz.co.nz
'Stakes could not be higher': Concern over claim NZ breached FTA climate commitments
International relations experts are warning a case claiming New Zealand is not meeting EU trade agreement climate commitments could seriously impact the country's reputation.
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Robert McLachlan @robertmclachlan.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
New NZ utility solar records set on 24 & 29 Sep, 550 MW peak, 4408 MWh for the day, due to the Tauhei & Kowhai Park solar farms (each 150 MW) entering service. Will double in next 12 months. Previous record was 360 MW set in August during Tauhei commissioning.
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Nick Young @nickofnz.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Greenpeace Aotearoa joins complaint to EU over NZ’s climate policy regression The complaint addresses Government reversal of climate policies, which Greenpeace has labelled a 'race to the bottom on environmental regulation'. www.greenpeace.org/aotearoa/pre...
greenpeace.org
Greenpeace joins complaint to EU over NZ climate policy reversal - Greenpeace Aotearoa
The complaint addresses Government reversal of climate policies, which Greenpeace has labelled a 'race to the bottom on environmental regulation'.
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Ben Ross @benakl.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
And the price of listening to ACT, Fed Farmers, and Groundswell are starting to pay their dividends. A complaint has been laid that NACT1 has breached our Trade Agreement with the EU. The EC will investigate and sanctions can include TRADE Sanctions against farmers newsroom.co.nz/2026/09/30/f...
newsroom.co.nz
Formal complaint that NZ climate backsliding breaches Europe trade deal
The Government's top law officer warned that if ministers blocked Mike Smith's Fonterra lawsuit, the next case would target the Crown directly. She's been proven right, reports Jonathan Milne.
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Jennifer Ward @jenospeno.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
The National-led coalition government is a DISASTER for Ao/NZ. NZ accused of breaking climate change agreement with EU www.rnz.co.nz/news/politic...
rnz.co.nz
NZ accused of breaking climate change promise with EU, but Todd McClay rejects claim
A Dutch environmental group claims New Zealand has broken its climate change promises in the free trade agreement with the EU and is lodging the first complaint of its kind through the European Commis...
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Christina Hood @christinahood.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Lindsay Wood has more background on the complaint about NZ's compliance with the EU-NZ Free Trade Agreement climate obligations here:
climatemattersnz.substack.com
“NZ in the Dock” Climate Matters Special
Guilty as charged?
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Delwyn Dickey @delwynd.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
What a surprise 🙄. Consequences. NZ accused of breaking climate change promise with #EU, but Todd McClay rejects claim #ClimateChange #TradeAgreements www.rnz.co.nz/news/politic...
rnz.co.nz
NZ accused of breaking climate change promise with EU, but Todd McClay rejects claim
A Dutch environmental group claims New Zealand has broken its climate change promises in the free trade agreement with the EU and is lodging the first complaint of its kind through the European Commis...
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Ben Ross @benakl.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
You sure Todd? And if the EC and UK decide to trade sanction our farmers? Then what smart arse
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Nick Young @nickofnz.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
A Dutch environmental group claims New Zealand has broken its #climatechange promises in the free trade agreement with the EU and is lodging the first complaint of its kind through the European Commission. www.rnz.co.nz/news/politic...
rnz.co.nz
NZ accused of breaking climate change promise with EU, but Todd McClay rejects claim
A Dutch environmental group claims New Zealand has broken its climate change promises in the free trade agreement with the EU and is lodging the first complaint of its kind through the European Commis...
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CEO Johnny Cans @oldmatecans.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
lmao oh no turns out you're part of a complex connected system and can't just do climate denialism in one country because it makes the free trade sad this is what happens when you run 80s policy through a 2020's global politics
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Tim Jones @timjonesbooks.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
For 3 years, the New Zealand government has fucked around on climate to satisfy its rich backers – cancelling climate action & funding new fossil fuel projects. The finding-out phase has now begun. www.rnz.co.nz/news/politic... Thanks for nothing, Christopher Luxon. #nzpol #NZEUFTA #eu #climate
rnz.co.nz
NZ accused of breaking climate change promise with EU, but Todd McClay rejects claim
A Dutch environmental group claims New Zealand has broken its climate change promises in the free trade agreement with the EU and is lodging the first complaint of its kind through the European Commis...
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Robert McLachlan @robertmclachlan.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
McClay: "NZ takes its international obligations seriously and always meets them." – e.g. our 2030 Paris Agreement target? "It is not for overseas countries or organisations to tell NZ how to meet its obligations." – not true: the complaint process is specifically written into the FTA.
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James Renwick @cubaraglanguy.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Read all about it! Nat gov't torpedoes FTA by backtracking on #ClimateAction. Free trade down the tubes and billions to pay in offshore mitigation... excellent financial management, Prime Minister. climatemattersnz.substack.com/p/nz-in-the-...
climatemattersnz.substack.com
“NZ in the Dock” Climate Matters Special
Guilty as charged?
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Robert McLachlan @robertmclachlan.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
The politics aren't great either: Heart's business case is to revive regional aviation, using cheaper fuel, airports, and pilots (1 vs 2), so people can get to hubs and take long-haul flights more conveniently. Without regulation of the industry, this will increase overall emissions.
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Robert McLachlan @robertmclachlan.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
The Trump administration scrapped fines for not meeting fuel economy standards in June 2025, the New Zealand government followed suit in November (cutting penalties by 80%)... but NZ had already weakened the standards in 2024 so it's been a bit of a tag team effort.
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Robert McLachlan @robertmclachlan.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
When the government consulted on NZ's space policy a few years ago, I don't remember this coming up: www.rnz.co.nz/news/politic...
rnz.co.nz
New Zealand agrees to put almost $24 million into military satellite US is building
New Zealand has agreed to put almost $24 million into a military satellite the United States is building.
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Jennifer Ward @jenospeno.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
“This election will determine the future of Denniston”. Fast-track application to mine Denniston Plateau on West Coast rejected.. (for now) www.rnz.co.nz/news/environ...
rnz.co.nz
Fast-track application to mine Denniston Plateau on West Coast rejected
A fast-track application to mine Denniston Plateau on the West Coast has been rejected as incomplete.
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Dave Vetter @davidrvetter.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
👀👀👀
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Robert McLachlan @robertmclachlan.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
How is it possible that the February forecast was 2242 Mt while the September forecast is 2236 Mt? Has the rise in the oil price really made that little difference to consumption?
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Dr. Aaron Thierry @thierryaaron.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
1/ People keep saying AI is inevitable. History disagrees. Plenty of technologies were called unstoppable, and societies stopped them or shrank them down to a niche. A thread 🧵
evitable
adjective
uk  /ˈev.ɪ.tə.bəl/ us  /ˈev.ə.t̬ə.bəl/

able to be avoided or prevented:
He believes that world war is evitable.
Inevitable suffering due to persecution is to be distinguished from evitable sickness.
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Robert McLachlan @robertmclachlan.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
A bijection involving rabbits?
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Robert McLachlan @robertmclachlan.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
J G Ballard, 1974: "Will modern technology provide us with hithterto undreamed-of means for tapping our own psycho-pathologies? Is this harnessing of our innate perversity conceivably of benefit to us? Is there some deviant logic unfolding more powerful than that provided by reason?" Yes, no, yes.
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Stephen Hill @srhastraea.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
Yeah - so many red flags that everything looked green when I looked away from my phone.
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Robert McLachlan @robertmclachlan.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
Exactly. The business case is to revive regional aviation by using cheaper fuel, airports, and pilots (1 instead of 2), to make it easier for people to get to hubs and transfer to long-haul flights. With the current lack of regulation of aviation emissions, this leads to a net increase in emissions.
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Wikimedia Aotearoa New Zealand @wikimediaaotearoa.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
In 2024 a book was published identifying the 180 most significant Māori-authored works of non-fiction. Books of Mana is a valuable resource for covering Māori authors on Wikipedia, so for Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori, editors in Ōtepoti Dunedin will be improving coverage of authors with articles.
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Stephen Clarke @stephenclarkenz.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
www.1news.co.nz/2026/09/13/h...
1news.co.nz
Historian warns proposed job cuts will damage access to NZ's history
Historians and archivists warn the cuts could see backlogs grow and items go neglected, as the Government says restructuring is needed for financial sustainability.
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PHANZA Professional Historians of New Zealand / Aotearoa @phanza.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
And here is a link to @anrchivist.bsky.social Jared Davidson's book Blood and Dirt: Prison Labour and the Making of New Zealand (Bridget Williams Books). You can also find it in Unity Books and other good bookshops. www.bwb.co.nz/books/blood-...
bwb.co.nz
Blood and Dirt - BWB Bridget Williams Books
Forced labour haunts the streets we walk today and the spaces we take for granted.
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PHANZA Professional Historians of New Zealand / Aotearoa @phanza.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Congrats to PHANZA member Jared Davidson @anrchivist.bsky.social who gave a great interview to @draftingthepast.bsky.social about how his experience as an archivist helps him uncover overlooked histories. He's also the first NZ historian to feature on the show! Listen online or your fav podcast app
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Robert McLachlan @robertmclachlan.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
This is great, but, for context, just driving less also "saved" hundreds of millions. In Q2 2026 oil consumption was down 93 million litres (5%) compared to normal (thus "saving" $158m), while the 12k EVs sold "saved" 5 million litres.
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dunnersmads.bsky.social @dunnersmads.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
newsroom.co.nz/2026/09/15/e... #nzpol
newsroom.co.nz
Electric vehicles save NZ $90m in oil imports amid fuel crisis
As fuel prices surge, electric vehicles are helping to cut hundreds of millions of dollars from New Zealand's overseas oil bill.
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Robert McLachlan @robertmclachlan.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Go solar! Annual generation (utility + distributed) up 62% in a year. Should be even higher growth next year as largest-ever farms nearing completion now. Data: MBIE Energy Quarterly. Annual solar generation of 1171 GWh is enough to power 15,000 km of e-bike travel for everyone in the country.
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PHANZA Professional Historians of New Zealand / Aotearoa @phanza.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
The Aotearoa History and Heritage Alliance, including PHANZA, has released an open letter on the deeply damaging and far-reaching impacts of proposed cuts at Archives NZ and the National Library. Read the letter at the link below and please share widely. phanza.org.nz/wp-content/u...
phanza.org.nz
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Richard Easther @rjme.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
Who was nerdy enough to take a bike along for his first ride on the CRL? While wearing his nerdiest t-shirt?
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Robert McLachlan @robertmclachlan.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
From 2020 there was a big shift to working from home, as shown by petrol dropping much more than diesel. That has perhaps receded a bit, but the fleet is also getting cleaner - the car fleet has got from 180 gCO2/km to 160 gCO2/km since 2019. I think it takes longer to change behaviour en masse.
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Robert McLachlan @robertmclachlan.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
There was a big drop during Covid due to working from home which has only unwound slowly. The drop in Q2 2026 is due to the recession and the oil price spike. EV sales have shot up but that won't impact emissions for a while.
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