If you want to contemplate the mother of all clean ups, have a look at some of the news surrounding the latest BP spill in the Gulf of Mexixo. It provides startling context to the concept of remediation. How can damage on this scale be addressed, what are the mechanisms and which nations and corporates are in a position to provide immediate and effective response? What capacity exists in New Zealand to respond to such a spill?  What would the effects be of a similar catastrophe, for instance on the Taranaki coast, or in Northland?  In a situation like this what is a reasonable response, and what is a reasonable sanction?

For coverage of the spill and details of consequences see: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/environment/news/article.cfm?c_id=39&objectid=10642777

Ideas?