10 Feb 2026

Shower Thoughts: Why are we more exposed to sunburn than the rest of the world?

From Nights, 8:40 pm on 10 February 2026

It's now time for Shower Thoughts... where we try to answer those ponderous questions you think about.

Today, we want to know why people in New Zealand and Australia are more exposed to sunburn than the rest of the world.

Ben Liley is an atmospheric scientist at Earth Science's Lauder research station, where they have researched UV radiation for over 35 years. 

He joins Emile Donovan.

Thermometer with a high temperature reading on a scale, against a background of bright sun and a blue sky with clouds. The concept of hot, dangerous weather, global warming

Photo: 123RF