Social sciences and public policy news

COP 29: who pays for climate action?

This year’s United Nations climate summit, the Conference of the Parties (COP29), has been dubbed the “finance COP”.

Mental flexibility and vaccine attitude

Making decisions about our health – including whether or not to get vaccinated – appears to depend on more than just receiving the 'right' information.

Identify and challenge blackface

This Halloween is a good time to identify and challenge instances of blackface and cultural appropriation, Senior Lecturer Elba Ramirez says.

'Nature markets' exploitation risk

As the latest global biodiversity summit gets underway in Colombia, nature markets pose risks as well as opportunities for Indigenous peoples.

Jack and Jill can teach us about the CGT

In NZ, capital gains tax debates are like zombies, constantly getting killed off and coming back to life. The debate needs a broader definition of “fair”.

What do we mean by wellbeing?

The measurement of wellbeing worldwide should be extended to include concepts of collective wellbeing.

Big Oil could help the green transition

What if Big Oil championed – and profited from – the green transition? Here’s how it could work.

Take a look inside AUT's Living Labs

A new video looks at how AUT's Living Labs project is connecting people to nature by interweaving ecological science and mātauranga Māori.

Unemployment looks to be getting worse

A model designed to give an early warning of a downturn in the economy is suggesting continued weakening in the labour market.

Why anti-gang patch policies backfire

Despite the connection between institutional harm and gang membership, the government seems unlikely to soften its “get tough on crime” policies.