Dr Megan Woods (Minister of House Building and Windfarms) recently announced the results of the latest handouts to boffins from the Marsden Fund.
“Climate change is long-term challenge that requires out-of-the-box thinking and that’s why the Government has made more progress in two years than the last Government did in nine.
“Science and research have been critical in the progression of our Zero Carbon Bill that returns to parliament today, as well as giving New Zealanders more choice on electric cars, and drives our work alongside businesses to reduce emissions.
“We welcome today’s investment that tackles head-on both climate change and our goal of running the country exclusively on renewable electricity by 2050.
“The knowledge and solutions that will be created because of this research will put us in good stead towards creating a productive, sustainable and inclusive New Zealand. I congratulate all of the recipients announced today,” Megan Woods said.
Beehive
Projects aimed at addressing climate change
- Geologic champagne: What controls sudden release of CO2 at glacial terminations on the Chatham Rise? (The University of Auckland) – $952,000
- Drought or Deluge? How did Rainfall in the Tropical South Pacific Respond to Sudden Climate Change During the Glacial Period? (Victoria University of Wellington) – $960,000
- Could airborne microplastics play a role in climate change? (University of Canterbury) – $300,000
Projects aimed at renewable energy issues
- Molecular wiring of graphene with organic films (University of Canterbury) – $960,000
- Photon multiplying light harvesting antenna systems for luminescent solar concentrators (Victoria University of Wellington) – $278,499
- Can enhanced exciton diffusion propel organic photovoltaic cells beyond the bulk heterojunction? (Victoria University of Wellington) – $891,197
The fat end of a million bucks to find out how the South Pacific got on when it rained in the last glacial period. Yeah, that’ll really help us all. How many ‘research’ trips to the tropics will that require?
I trust that the locals have properly preserved the rainfall records from that time.
