Nuclear Energy and Power-Hungry AI: Faculty Expert Opinion
With the power-hungry tech industry looking to nuclear energy to meet the rising demands of Artificial Intelligence (AI), SPPGA Director Allison Macfarlane and Prof. M. V. Ramana provide expert opinion about its risks, costs, and long-term sustainability. AI’s Energy Demands and Nuclear’s Uncertain Future In the recent Georgetown Journal of International Affairs article, “AI’s Energy […]
2025 Global Policy Project Symposium: MPPGA Students Address Real-World Policy Challenges
Learn about the capstone Global Policy Project (GP²), and the groups of MPPGA students who are working with clients from around the globe.
The Looming Threat of Nuclear Weapons: “the bomb” and Faculty Insights
From Trump’s executive orders putting nuclear safety at risk, to weapons manufactures who profit off of conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, read faculty insights and events on looming nuclear threats
Welcome 2025 Liu Scholars
Introducing 2025’s Liu Scholars, outstanding PhD students who will be mentored by our faculty to conduct multidisciplinary research to drive global impact.
Why Nuclear Energy is Not the Solution to the Climate Crisis: Q&A with M.V. Ramana
SPPGA Professor M.V. Ramana elaborates on his new book “Nuclear is Not the Solution: The Folly of Atomic Power in the Age of Climate Change”.
Call for Applications: Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship Program 2024
SPPGA is welcoming applications for the prestigious Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship Program.
SPPGA 2022-23 Annual Report
Learn more about the major research, achievements, and programming of the UBC School of Public Policy and Global Affairs in our 2022-23 annual report.
News Compilation – Prof. M.V. Ramana: Global Launch of the World Nuclear Industry Status Report 2023
Prof. M. V. Ramana’s 2023 Report: Global nuclear challenges and prospects.
2023 Simons Award Recipients in Nuclear Disarmament and Global Security
UBC students won the 2023 Simons Award for research in nuclear disarmament and global security.
Dr. Rashid Sumaila Earns Monaco’s Prince Albert I Medal
Dr. Rashid Sumaila, renowned in ocean sciences, receives 2023 Prince Albert I medal for his impactful, sustainable work.
Welcoming Dr. Tarun M. Khanna, SPPGA’s newest faculty member
Joining as an Assistant Professor, Dr. Khanna brings with him a wealth of expertise in energy economics and climate policy.
Harsha Walia Breaks Down Borders: Speaking on Climate Migration, Racial Capitalism and Empire
Canadian activist, writer and organizer Harsha Walia tackles issues of border imperialism, racial capitalism and anti-migrant xenophobia in her recent talk with UBC.
News Compilation: The Tradeoffs of Nuclear Reactors
With climate concerns on the rise, U.S. and Canadian governments have escalated interest in adopting nuclear energy sources. But with an array of concerns still present, research is needed to assess the feasibility of such implementation. SPPGA Prof. M.V. Ramana and Allison MacFarlane critically examine considerations for widespread nuclear reactor adoption in their recent research, providing […]
Zoe Braden & SPPGA Director Allison Macfarlane: Final countdown to site selection for Canada’s nuclear waste
Canada stands on the brink of a momentous decision: selecting a final resting spot for its spent nuclear fuel waste. Article by SPPGA Postdoctoral Research Fellow Zoe Braden and SPPGA Director Allison Macfarlane.
Profs. Navin Ramankutty and Milind Kandlikar: How Can Machine Learning Help in Understanding the Impact of Climate Change on Crop Yields?
Profs. Navin Ramankutty and Milind Kandlikar (SPPGA; IRES) examine how machine learning can inform climate change’s impact on crop yields.
Prof. M.V. Ramana: The Decline and Fall of Nuclear Disarmament in 2022
SPPGA Prof. M.V. Ramana comments on the state of nuclear disarmament in 2022.
SPPGA Director Allison Macfarlane and Prof. M.V. Ramana: Canada’s First New Nuclear Power Reactor in 30 Years Has Embarked on a Crucial Review
SPPGA Director Allison Macfarlane and Prof. M.V. Ramana comment on the review process for Canada’s first new nuclear power reactor in 30 years.
Liu Scholar Sun Ryung Park: Green Tech Race in the Solar Supply Chain: Tracking Innovation
Liu Scholar Sun Ryung Park publishes a paper on innovation tracking in the “green tech race,” particularly in the solar industry in the US and China.
Prof. M.V. Ramana: Nuclear Fusion: It’s Really About Nuclear Weapons, Not Clean Energy
Prof. M.V. Ramana writes an article on nuclear fusion and highlights the challenges of achieving “clean fusion energy.”
Prof. Rashid Sumaila: How Can Fisheries Support Biodiversity Recovery?
Prof. Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; IOF) is quoted in an article highlighting how fisheries and people can address threats against biodiversity.
Prof. Navin Ramankutty: Globalised Food Systems Are Making Hunger Worse
A 2018 study co-led by Prof. Navin Ramankutty (SPPGA; IRES) is mentioned in an article about global food systems.
Prof. Hugh Gusterson: What Commentators Get Wrong (and Right) About North Korea
Prof. Hugh Gusterson (SPPGA; Anthropology) writes an article about the ‘unfair portrayals’ of North Korea and its implications for policy and security.
Prof. M.V. Ramana: Energy or Weapons? What the Breakthrough in Nuclear Fusion Really Means
Prof. M.V. Ramana writes an article about a recent breakthrough in nuclear fusion research. He comments on nuclear power’s viability as an energy source and what this means for weapons development.
Prof. Allison Macfarlane: Scientists Produce More Energy in a Fusion Reaction Than Was Used to Ignite It
SPPGA Director and Prof. Allison Macfarlane shares thoughts on a recent breakthrough in nuclear fusion in a radio broadcast with CBC News.
Prof. Matias Margulis: Planning A Holiday Feast? Be Prepared for the Sticker Shock, Experts Say
Prof. Matias Margulis (SPPGA; LFS) comments on rising food prices and how it affects Canadians’ festivities this holiday season.
Prof. Navin Ramankutty: 10 Billion Mouths to Feed
Prof. Navin Ramankutty (SPPGA; IRES) discusses how combating global food insecurity requires a complex set of solutions.
Elena Gordillo Fuertes: The Slow Violence of Air Pollution in Mongolia
MPPGA Student and IAR Fellow Elena Gordillo Fuertes writes an article on the toxicity of air pollution in Mongolia.
Prof. David Boyd: Here Are 5 Things To Know About COP15 and How It Affects B.C.
Prof. David Boyd (SPPGA; IRES) outlines how the COP15 biodiversity summit impacts B.C.
Senior Fellow Gisèle Yasmeen: Charities Offering Meals Grapple Shrinking Donations and Soaring Demand
Senior Fellow Gisèle Yasmeen comments on how political conflict and food insecurity are affecting organizations offering hot meals during the holidays.
Prof. M.V. Ramana: Plutonium is Plutonium, Period, and Separating It Increases Nuclear Proliferation Risks
Prof. M.V Ramana co-writes an article on the global security risks of separating plutonium from spent nuclear fuel.
Prof. Rashid Sumaila: Seafood Growth Rate Declining
Prof. Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; IOF) comments on the declining growth rate of seafood and how it will impact minority groups.
Prof. Rashid Sumaila: Can Wild and Farmed Fish Co-Exist?
Prof. Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; IOF) comments on the current aquaculture system and how land-based systems could be an alternative to open-net fish farming.
Prof. M.V. Ramana: Nuclear Power No Solution for the N.W.T., Some Experts Suggest
SPPGA Prof. M.V. Ramana comments on the lack of economic incentives to manufacture small modular reactors (SMRs) for remote communities in Canada.
Prof. Rashid Sumaila: Scientists Say Farmed Fish Can’t Replace Fish Caught in the Wild
Prof. Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; IOF) discusses in a podcast a potential supply shortage of seafood.
Prof. M.V Ramana: New-build Nuclear Must Face Down Industry’s Costly Past
SPPGA Prof. M.V Ramana comments on the possibility of nuclear energy and power to increase interest for market shares.
Prof. David Boyd: Barrick Gold Under Fire by UN for Toxic Spills From Veladero Mine in Argentina
Prof. David Boyd (SPPGA; IRES) signed a UN letter expressing concern about toxic spills from the Veladero mine in Argentina.
Prof. Rashid Sumaila: Plant-based Seafood Substitute Meets Demand For Food Sustainability
Prof. Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; IOF) comments on the benefits of plant-based substitutes for fish to achieve a more sustainable food supply.
Prof. Rashid Sumaila: Seafood Farming’s Growth Rate Has Already Peaked, and Now It’s in Decline
Prof. Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; IOF) discusses aquaculture over-optimism and seafood farming’s declining growth rate.
Prof. Allison Macfarlane: From Nuclear Power to Bamboo: The Climate Solutions at COP27
A study co-authored by SPPGA Director and Prof. Allison Macfarlane on nuclear waste is mentioned in an article about climate solutions proposed at COP27.
Prof. M.V Ramana: Will Expanding Canada’s Plutonium Interests Support the Peaceful Use of Nuclear Energy?
SPPGA Prof. M.V. Ramana co-writes an article on the security risk of separating Canada’s plutonium interests (subscription).
Prof. M.V Ramana: Climate, Conflicts, Prompt New Look at Old Nuclear
SPPGA Prof. M.V Ramana comments on the possibility of nuclear energy and power to increase interest for market shares
Prof. Philippe Le Billon: COP27: Which Countries Will Push to End Fossil Fuel Production?
Prof. Philippe Le Billon (SPPGA; Geography) co-writes an article on the need for international participation to end fossil fuel production.
Congratulations to 2022 Simons Award Recipients!
Six UBC students received the 2022 Simons Award in Nuclear Disarmament and Global Security for their research on nuclear disarmament, nuclear energy, and global security.
Prof. M.V. Ramana: TPG&E Resubmits License Renewal for Diablo
SPPGA Prof. M.V. Ramana warns about the implications of renewing a previously withdrawn license to operate the Diablo Canyon nuclear plant (subscription).
Prof. Yves Tiberghien: Vancouver Critical Mineral Firms Caught in Chinese Investments
Yves Tiberghien (SPPGA Faculty Associate; Political Science prof.) acknowledges Canada’s abrupt change in direction on Chinese investments in Canadian critical-mineral exploration.
Prof. Rashid Sumaila: AI May Help Authorities Track ‘Ghost’ Fishing Boats
Prof. Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; IOF) discusses the importance of AI technology development to detect illegal fishing accounts in the ocean.
Prof. M.V. Ramana: Why It’s So Hard to Decide Whether Nuclear Power is a Good Idea for the Climate
Prof. M.V. Ramana comments on the financial costs and safety risks of using nuclear power as a main energy source in Canada.
Call for Applications: Olav Slaymaker Scholarship in Environment
Applications are open to UBC graduate students studying environmental issues and is supervised by an SPPGA faculty member.
IAR Fellow Sun Ryung Park and Prof. Yves Tiberghien: The Indo Pacific’s Green Industrial Policy Race
IAR Fellow Sun Ryung Park and Yves Tiberghien (SPPGA Faculty Associate; Political Science prof.) discuss the race for green innovation and policy among Indo-Pacific nations.
Prof. M.V. Ramana: Federal Infrastructure Bank Commits $970M Toward Canada’s First Small Modular Nuclear Reactor
SPPGA Prof. M.V. Ramana comments on Canada’s first small modular nuclear reactor in Ontario.
Prof. David Boyd: UN Says Trillions Needed To Close Financial Gap on Sustainable Development Goals
Prof. David (SPPGA; IRES) reports the two main reasons why states are not reaching UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Prof. Rashid Sumaila: Experts are Calling to Halt Fishing in Antarctica
Prof. Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; IOF) discusses how fisheries contribute to the overexploitation of Atlantic fish.
Prof. Rashid Sumaila: Protect Global Values of the Southern Ocean Ecosystem
Prof. Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; IOF) co-publishes a research article on how climate change and overfishing threaten the value of the Southern Ocean ecosystem.
Prof. M.V. Ramana: Ploughshares and Swords: India’s Nuclear Program in the Global Cold War
SPPGA Prof. M.V. Ramana comments on the book’s useful connection to India’s nuclear program literature and how it powerfully undercovers its importance.
Prof. Rashid Sumaila: Rights and Representation Support Justice Across Aquatic Food Systems
Prof. Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; IOF) co-publishes a research study that examines the significance of injustices in aquatic food systems.
Prof. Rashid Sumaila: Murder at Sea
A study by Prof. Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; IOF) on illegal fishing and trade is mentioned in an article by Hakai Magazine.
Prof. M.V. Ramana: North Korean Missile Testing Could Be Prelude to High-Stakes Bargaining
SPPGA Prof. M.V. Ramana comments on North Korea’s recent missile tests and what this means for the peace process on the Korean peninsula.
News Compilation: Nuclear Disaster Risk at Ukraine Power Plant, Zaporizhzhia
SPPGA Prof. M.V. Ramana discusses nuclear disaster risk at the Zaporizhzhia power plant in Ukraine, as a result of the ongoing war with Russia.
Prof. Yves Tiberghien: Analysts Say China on Track to Meet Carbon Targets Despite Challenges
Yves Tiberghien (SPPGA Faculty Associate; Political Science prof.) speaks in a video interview on China’s progress towards meeting carbon targets.
Prof. David Boyd: Slovenia: More Ambitious Environmental Action Key to Protect Human Rights says UN expert
Prof. David Boyd (SPPGA; IRES) speaks on Slovenia playing a key role to championing the human right to clean, healthy, and sustainable environment.
Prof. Maxwell Cameron: Mélanie Joly Pushing for Haiti Plan at Americas Summit
Prof. Maxwell Cameron (SPPGA; Political Science) comments on Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly’s plan to address Haiti’s gas shortage that sparked violence among citizens.
Prof. M.V. Ramana: 2022 World Nuclear Industry Status Report
SPPGA Prof. M.V. Ramana co-writes this year’s World Nuclear Industry Status Report.
Prof. David Boyd – Revealed: Huge Gas Flaring Emissions Never Reported
Prof. David Boyd (SPPGA; IRES) discusses how major oil companies fail to disclose significant gas emissions, emphasizing the prioritization of private interests over human health.
Prof. David Boyd: Drought Prompts Portugal to Restrict Water Usage at Hydropower Dams
Prof. David Boyd (SPPGA; IRES) dives into the drought issue affecting Portugal’s water source and the significance of hydropower dams being closed.
Asst. Prof. Matias Margulis: Food Prices Soars As Inflation Cools And Solutions To Burnout In Healthcare.
SPPGA Asst. Prof. Matias Margulis is interviewed by CBCListen.
SPPGA Releases 2021-2022 Annual Report
Learn more about the major research, achievements, and programming of the UBC School of Public Policy and Global Affairs in our 2021-22 annual report.
Senior Fellow Gisèle Yasmeen: The Historical Role of Cities in Recursively Shaping Global Food Systems – Southeast Asia
Read her book chapter about urban agglomerations in Southeast Asia and their role in shaping, and being shaped by, global food systems.
Prof. M.V. Ramana: Small Modular Reactors: What Is Taking So Long?
SPPGA Prof. M.V. Ramana outlines the global innovation of nuclear energy technology and why there is a delay in production of SMRs in the international economy.
Liu Scholar Temitope Onifade: Low Carbon Justice in Canada’s Net-Zero Transition
SPPGA Liu Scholar Temitope Onifade advocates for applying a “low carbon justice” approach to Canada’s net-zero transition.
Call for Applications: 2022 Simons Awards for Student Research in Nuclear Disarmament and Global Security
Undergraduate and graduate students will receive $1,000 and $1,500 respectively for their successful research paper or product on topics related to nuclear disarmament and/or global security.
Prof. M.V. Ramana: Small Nuke Reactors Emerge as Energy Option, But Risks Loom
SPPGA Prof. M.V. Ramana outlines potential safety risks from storing and transporting nuclear waste from small modular reactors.
Prof. M.V. Ramana: Nuclear Lifetime Extensions: Is the Juice Worth the Squeeze?
SPPGA Prof. M.V. Ramana advocates for expanding renewable energy in Germany, as a solution to the country’s aging nuclear power plants.
Prof. Rashid Sumaila: EU Needs to Act on the Science to Preserve Oceans
Prof. Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; IOF) is mentioned in an article regarding his research about the impact of overfishing on ocean health and climate change.
Prof. M.V. Ramana: Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, Fukushima: And Now Zaporizhzhia?
Prof. M.V. Ramana discusses reports of rocket attacks on Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant after Russia’s occupation.
Prof. M.V. Ramana: Beyond First Steps: Phasing Out Nuclear Weapons and Energy
SPPGA Prof. M.V. Ramana discusses how the increased use of nuclear energy will lead to more dangers, specifically near the Zaporizhzhia plant in Ukraine.
Prof. M.V. Ramana: What Happens If Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant Explodes?
SPPGA Prof. M.V. Ramana warns about the risk of explosion and radiation leak from the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant in Ukraine, as a result of the war with Russia.
Senior Fellow Gisèle Yasmeen: Why Food is so Pricey
Senior Fellow Gisèle Yasmeen discusses why food prices are rising in Canada and how access to food should be treated as a right, not a purchasing decision.
Prof. Philippe Le Billon: Local Marine Stewardship and Ocean Defenders
Prof. Philippe Le Billon (SPPGA; Geography) recommends ways to support local marine stewardship and ocean defenders through research, policy, practice, and funding.
Prof. Rashid Sumaila: How Much is the Ocean Worth?
Prof. Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; IOF) speaks with CBC Kelowna about the economic value of BC’s oceans.
MPPGA Alumna Esther Ocheni: Unpacking Infrastructure-For-Resources Deals in Africa’s Mining Sector and Best Practices for Future Investments
MPPGA Alumna Esther Ocheni publishes a paper with Africa Policy Journal
Prof. David Boyd Comments on Why the UK Has a ‘moral Duty’ to Improve Air Pollution
The UN’s Special Representative on Human Rights and the Environment Prof. David Boyd (SPPGA; IRES) issues an urgent call for Britain to tighten its policies on air quality
Senior Fellow Gisèle Yasmeen: Grain shipment leaves Ukraine, a 1st since war started
Senior Fellow Gisèle Yasmeen (SPPGA) is interviewed by CBC and comments on global food insecurities as a shipment of grain has left Ukraine’s port, the first since the Russian invasion began
Prof. Rashid Sumaila: Threat of ‘Heatflation’ Looms Large as Climate Change Shrinks Farm and Seafood Output
Prof. Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; IOF) discusses how rising temperatures are decreasing seafood supply from the South China Sea.
Prof. Philippe Le Billon and Liu Scholar Raphaël Deberdt: A Green Transition Should Prioritize the Ocean’s Carbon Sinks Over Deep-Sea Mining
Prof. Philippe Le Billon (SPPGA; Geography) and Liu Scholar Raphaël Deberdt advocate for a green transition in the deep-sea mining industry.
Liu Scholar Oludolapo Makinde and Prof. Philippe Le Billon: AI and the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative
Liu Scholar Oludolapo Makinde and Prof. Philippe Le Billon (SPPGA; Geography) co-author a research paper examining the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in improving natural resource governance.
News Compilation: WTO Deal on Fisheries Subsidies Media Mentions
Prof. Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; IOF) advocates for the ban of fisheries subsidies for the WTO’s Twelfth Ministerial Conference.
Prof. M.V. Ramana: MidAmerican Shouldn’t Waste Money Studying Small Nuclear Reactors
Prof. M.V. Ramana co-authors an opinion piece on why MidAmerican Energy should not spend more money studying small modular reactors.
Allison Macfarlane: “Fixing” the Nuclear Waste Problem? The New Political Economy of Spent Fuel Management in the United States
SPPGA Director and Prof. Allison Macfarlane co-authors a publication analysing the economic, geographic and technological aspects behind spent nuclear fuel management in the U.S.
Prof. M.V. Ramana: Emerging Small Nuclear Reactors May Significantly Contribute to Grid Decarbonization by 2050
Prof. M.V. Ramana explains the economic challenges behind building small nuclear reactors and the inevitable rising costs due to safety concerns.
Prof. M.V. Ramana: Let’s Eliminate Nuclear Weapons, Before They Eliminate Us
Following the conclusion of the first UN meeting of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, Prof. M.V. Ramana comments on the State Parties promise to eliminate nuclear weapons on an urgent basis.
Prof. Rashid Sumaila: Aquaculture Drives Aquatic Food Yields to New High
Prof. Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; IOF) is quoted in an article about the role of aquaculture in increasing food yields.
IAR Fellow Younus Mushtaq Ahmed: Solving India’s Sanitation Scourge
IAR Fellow (CISAR) Younus Mushtaq Ahmed writes an article discussing India’s sanitation policy.
SPPGA Welcomes Assistant Professor Juliet Lu – Q&A
Dr. Juliet Lu, Assistant Professor in Environmental Governance and Business, joins SPPGA and the Department of Forest Resources Management. Learn more about her research and policy engagement in this interview.
Dr. M. V. Ramana Appointed Graduate Program Director of the Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs Program
SPPGA welcomes Prof. M. V. Ramana as Graduate Program Director of the Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs program.
Prof. Rashid Sumaila: The Cod Delusion
A report co-authored by Prof. Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; IOF) is quoted in an article discussing the Atlantic cod population.
SPPGA Director and Prof. Allison Macfarlane: ‘We Really Want to Find A Long-Term Solution’: Canada Inches Toward Permanent Storage of Radioactive Waste
SPPGA Director and Prof. Allison Macfarlane discusses concerns around safety of a permanent nuclear storage site in Ontario, explaining that “we don’t understand what the costs are going to be yet.”
UBC and Stanford-led Research Finds Small Modular Reactors will Exacerbate Challenges of Highly Radioactive Nuclear Waste
Small modular reactors, long touted as the future of nuclear energy, will actually generate more radioactive waste than conventional nuclear power plants, according to research from the University of British Columbia and Stanford.
Prof. M.V. Ramana: Molten Salt Reactors Were Trouble in the 1960s—And They Remain Trouble Today
Prof. M.V. Ramana authors an article examining the use of molten salt reactors, and why they pose more of a risk than reward as a source of nuclear power.
2022 Global Policy Project Symposium
Leading up to their graduation, MPPGA students from the class of 2022 presented their policy findings at the annual Global Policy Project Symposium held by the UBC School of Public Policy and Global Affairs.
Five UBC SPPGA Faculty Awarded SSHRC Funding for Projects
Profs. Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; IOF), Timothy Cheek (SPPGA; History), Heidi Tworek (SPPGA; History), Milind Kandlikar (SPPGA; IRES), and Navin Ramankutty (SPPGA; IRES) received SSHRC funding through Partnership Development, Partnership Grants, and Insight Grants for various projects.