Now in his second year of a Bachelor of Environmental Science, McKaskell returned to study after 15 years working in software development.
鈥淲orking in software has its rewards, however I wanted to contribute to something more meaningful, rather than just building another commercial website. I also love being outdoors. I was originally thinking about Engineering, but I saw Environmental Science and knew it was for me. I鈥檝e found it really interesting and stimulating, and very multidisciplinary.鈥
Environmental scientists are at the forefront of research into sustainability challenges facing our physical world, which is interconnected with our social sphere and economic activities. It is due to their work that we are aware of the consequences of global warming, greenhouse gas emissions and other intense pressures on the Earth鈥檚 ecosystems.听 听
Biodiversity (or safeguarding our native birds, lizards, and insects) is an area of urgent concern.
鈥淚n Aotearoa our birds and invertebrates are unique, we have a proliferation of bird life rather than mammals. When I was younger, I would wander through the forest and hear lots of birds, but that has diminished,鈥 McKaskell says. 听
He mentions standout projects that have facilitated biodiversity such as the Zealandia sanctuary and the many bird hatching and relocation schemes operating around the country.
We can all promote biodiversity by controlling predators, planting native shrubs and trees, and cleaning up waterways, he says. Some of these things can be achieved literally in our own backyards. Every effort will contribute to community projects and initiatives on UC鈥檚 campuses through its new Biodiversity Plan.
鈥淪ocial change can come by stealth,鈥 McKaskell says. 鈥淪tudents in school today are learning about sustainability, and as they start to move into positions of power, they will be able to make significant change.鈥
Joining McKaskell and Humphreys on the biodiversity panel are UC Biodiversity Projects Coordinator Emily Arthur, Professor Jim Briskie from UC School of Biological Sciences and Riccarton Bush Ranger Mike Steenson. Register at听.
