HL LENS CASE STUDY

Question 1

Personhood

Answer 1

In 2017, the Whanganui River became the first river in the world to be granted legal personhood through the Te Awa Tupua (Whanganui River Claims Settlement) Act. This legislation recognizes the river as a living entity, encompassing both its physical and metaphysical aspects, from the mountains to the sea. The Act established two guardians, one representing the Whanganui iwi (Māori tribe) and one from the Crown, to act on behalf of the river.

Question 2

Economics/Law

Answer 2

New Zealand is reportedly transcending multiple planetary boundaries, such as climate change, biodiversity loss and biochemical flows. For example, intensive agriculture practices has lead to freshwater degradation and climate impact caused by increase in release of greenhouse gas emissions and nutrient run off. Biodiversity is threatened through land-use resulting in habitat loss. For a more sustainable economic future, integrating planetary boundaries framework into national policy-making will be crucial.

Question 3

Migration Policies(law)

Answer 3

As the sea levels rise by approximately 15cm over the past 30 years, citizens of Tuvalu are forced to immigrate to New Zealand and surroding countries. New Zealand offers the PAC visa, allowing annual residency to 250 Tuvaluans. However, this cost and requirements are not accesible to all Tuvaluans