title: Genetic diversity among populations of Antarctic springtails (Collembola) within the Mackay Glacier ecotone

authors: Beet, Clare Rose

abstract: Climate changes are likely to have major influences on the distribution and abundance of Antarctic terrestrial biota. To assess arthropod distribution and diversity within the Ross Sea region, we examined mitochondrial DNA (COI) sequences for three currently recognized species of springtail (Collembola) collected from sites in the vicinity, and to the north of, the Mackay Glacier (77°S). This area acts as a transition between two biogeographic regions (northern and southern Victoria Land). We found populations of highly divergent individuals (5%–11.3% intraspecific sequence divergence) for each of the three putative springtail species, suggesting the possibility of cryptic diversity. Based on molecular clock estimates, these divergent lineages are likely to have been isolated for 3–5 million years. It was during this time that the Western Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS) was likely to have completely collapsed, potentially facilitating springtail dispersal via rafting on running waters and open seaways. The reformation of the WAIS would have isolated newly established populations, with subsequent dispersal restricted by glaciers and ice-covered areas. Given the currently limited distributions for these genetically divergent populations, any future changes in species’ distributions can be easily tracked through the DNA barcoding of springtails from within the Mackay Glacier ecotone.

text: Genetic diversity among populations of Antarctic springtails (Collembola) within the Mackay Glacier ecotone Climate changes are likely to have major influences on the distribution and abundance of Antarctic terrestrial biota. To assess arthropod distribution and diversity within the Ross Sea region, we examined mitochondrial DNA (COI) sequences for three currently recognized species of springtail (Collembola) collected from sites in the vicinity, and to the north of, the Mackay Glacier (77°S). This area acts as a transition between two biogeographic regions (northern and southern Victoria Land). We found populations of highly divergent individuals (5%–11.3% intraspecific sequence divergence) for each of the three putative springtail species, suggesting the possibility of cryptic diversity. Based on molecular clock estimates, these divergent lineages are likely to have been isolated for 3–5 million years. It was during this time that the Western Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS) was likely to have completely collapsed, potentially facilitating springtail dispersal via rafting on running waters and open seaways. The reformation of the WAIS would have isolated newly established populations, with subsequent dispersal restricted by glaciers and ice-covered areas. Given the currently limited distributions for these genetically divergent populations, any future changes in species’ distributions can be easily tracked through the DNA barcoding of springtails from within the Mackay Glacier ecotone.

year: 2016

title: The role of law in climate change mitigation in oil and gas production

authors: Abraham-Dukuma, Magnus Chimuenya

subjects: Energy governance

abstract: Scientific evidence and ideas about climate change suggest the need for a global energy shift from oil and fossil fuels to renewables and other forms of clean energy. This transition will not be possible without understanding the dynamics and legal frameworks in petroleum-producing countries. More so, the current significant position of oil and fossil fuels in the global energy mix justifies the need to inquire into sustainability practices in the oil and gas industry, while the energy transition continues to gain momentum. Against this background, this thesis examines the role of law in climate change mitigation in oil and gas production to identify some characteristics of an effective regime for abating upstream gas flaring, venting, and fugitive emissions. It adopts a qualitative analytical approach consisting of conventional legal analysis, comparative analysis, and the theory of regulation to study the applicable regimes in twelve major petroleum-producing countries to obtain insights of a general nature. It also discusses some industry measures and private corporate initiatives of oil and gas companies as part of the overarching governance structure for mitigating upstream greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Findings from the comparative analysis put forward the necessity of adopting sector-specific and dedicated prescriptive regulatory arrangements and market-based instruments that send strong price signals to incentivise large-scale emissions reduction in petroleum production. The study also suggests the need for complementarity between state and industry regulatory approaches to incentivise innovative strategies to reduce upstream GHG emissions significantly. These considerations constitute a hybrid design that regulators can consider while undertaking law reforms on the topic. However, political will, dependency, rent-seeking, and corruption are some political-economy issues that most petroleum-producing states must address to ensure the effective regulation of upstream GHG emissions and, by extension, support profound energy transition.

text: The role of law in climate change mitigation in oil and gas production Scientific evidence and ideas about climate change suggest the need for a global energy shift from oil and fossil fuels to renewables and other forms of clean energy. This transition will not be possible without understanding the dynamics and legal frameworks in petroleum-producing countries. More so, the current significant position of oil and fossil fuels in the global energy mix justifies the need to inquire into sustainability practices in the oil and gas industry, while the energy transition continues to gain momentum. Against this background, this thesis examines the role of law in climate change mitigation in oil and gas production to identify some characteristics of an effective regime for abating upstream gas flaring, venting, and fugitive emissions. It adopts a qualitative analytical approach consisting of conventional legal analysis, comparative analysis, and the theory of regulation to study the applicable regimes in twelve major petroleum-producing countries to obtain insights of a general nature. It also discusses some industry measures and private corporate initiatives of oil and gas companies as part of the overarching governance structure for mitigating upstream greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Findings from the comparative analysis put forward the necessity of adopting sector-specific and dedicated prescriptive regulatory arrangements and market-based instruments that send strong price signals to incentivise large-scale emissions reduction in petroleum production. The study also suggests the need for complementarity between state and industry regulatory approaches to incentivise innovative strategies to reduce upstream GHG emissions significantly. These considerations constitute a hybrid design that regulators can consider while undertaking law reforms on the topic. However, political will, dependency, rent-seeking, and corruption are some political-economy issues that most petroleum-producing states must address to ensure the effective regulation of upstream GHG emissions and, by extension, support profound energy transition.

year: 2021

title: Adult education within a circular migration scheme. A case study from New Zealand

authors: Morrison, Sandra L.

subjects: adult education

abstract: This article examines the adult education and learning that occurs between a Māori business and the workers they employ from the Pacific nation of Tonga through the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme, a seasonal labour strategy allowing for the temporary entry of migrant workers in the horticulture and viticultural industries, with a preference for workers from the Pacific nations.. Māori are indigenous to NZ but their historical ties extend back to Polynesia in the Pacific and therefore common historical narratives exist between Māori and those from Tonga. A case study approach is used to highlight how adult education is embedded. Central to the success of this case study is the validation and implementation of indigenous knowledges and rituals.

text: Adult education within a circular migration scheme. A case study from New Zealand This article examines the adult education and learning that occurs between a Māori business and the workers they employ from the Pacific nation of Tonga through the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme, a seasonal labour strategy allowing for the temporary entry of migrant workers in the horticulture and viticultural industries, with a preference for workers from the Pacific nations.. Māori are indigenous to NZ but their historical ties extend back to Polynesia in the Pacific and therefore common historical narratives exist between Māori and those from Tonga. A case study approach is used to highlight how adult education is embedded. Central to the success of this case study is the validation and implementation of indigenous knowledges and rituals.

year: 2015