9 Comments
Jun 30Liked by Melanie Newfield

Interesting analysis! I don't need further convincing, so will pass on the free doco - but many thanks for the offer.

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Thank you Jacqui, I appreciate it.

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Jun 30Liked by Melanie Newfield

Great piece thanks Melanie. It’s tragic that this short sighted thinking still exists in economics. I’ll send the video to our US team for the algae remediation. I look forward to seeing the video soon.

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Thanks Ric. It's depressing that people treat water so badly and can't see beyond their own profits.

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I grew up near Lake Ontario in the 70’s and 80’s and can remember local environmental groups doing their best to stave off the inevitable. Last time I went back for a visit (July 2023) was the first time I can remember seeing such massive algie blooms in the canal that leads into the bottom of the lake near Hamilton. Disconcertingly, witnessed through the haze all the way from the Quebec fires. I don’t need further convincing with the doco either but thank you for the offer and as usual, super informative and engaging writing!

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Interesting, thanks Melanie. The conflict between different economic values reminds me of the comment from Tama Potaka (pretty sure it was him) that some species are too expensive to save from extinction. Guess he means humans in regards climate change.

Perhaps in the meanwhile I'll watch the documentary, thank you.

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Jun 30Liked by Melanie Newfield

Thank you for another informative read. Although I read with sadness. Just over thirty years ago I spent a few months working with the Great Lakes Chestnut Alliance in the north of southern Michigan. They were working to restore the native chestnut (Castanea dentata) after the devastating destruction caused by an introduced blight (Cryphonectria parasitica).

Apart from the invasive species issue, I experienced the indigenous, religious and economy/environment issues to which you refer. There were some committed people intent on doing the right thing for the Great Lakes and it is disappointing to read that the situation is worsening, not improving.

I fear for Aotearoa.

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It is so sad. Although there are people committed to doing the right thing its such an uphill battle against the forces of profit.

Chestnut blight is such an interesting and tragic story. Great to hear there's work to restore the American chestnut

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Thank you Melanie, for writing about difficult topics.🌱

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