CARE Fall 2026 Student Opportunities – Call for Applications
CARE offers a wide range of opportunities across Sciences Po, the University of Toronto, the University of British Columbia and the University of Guelph. View the list of activities and how to register.
New Course on Global Climate Action: Policies & Practices – Apply by July 3
This global course, designed by the CARE consortium (SciencesPo, U of Toronto, U of Guelph, UBC), provides graduate students with the knowledge, tools, and frameworks to navigate global climate action in an increasingly fragmented world. Apply by July 3.
Listen Now: Beyond Fires and Floods on Media Indigena Podcasts
Media Indigena’s Beyond Fires & Floods podcast series offers an opportunity to engage more deeply with the Indigenous voices and perspectives shaping how climate change is understood and communicated today.
2026 Global Policy Project Symposium: Policy in a Changing World
MPPGA students take the stage at the 2026 Global Policy Project (GP²) Symposium to present their findings after months of research, fieldwork, and collaboration.
Making Supply Chains More Sustainable: A Conversation with Professor Juliet Lu
A political ecologist and China scholar, Prof. Juliet Lu’s research examines how Chinese companies invest in land-intensive projects across Southeast Asia and how these investments shape land politics and environmental governance.
Climate Leadership in Paris: UBC at the 2026 CARE Conference
SPPGA sent a delegation of ten participants to the 2026 Annual CARE Conference Paris, including six students who took part in panels, research poster presentations, and a student-led simulation exercise during the three-day experiential conference.
Developing Practical Policy Skills and a Global Perspective: Reflections from Marcos Avina, MPPGA ’25
Marcos Avina, MPPGA Class of 2025, refelcrts on his experience at MPPGA and how the program shaped his professional journey.
Canada Caught Between Superpowers
As Donald Trump reshapes hemispheric power dynamics and Prime Minister Mark Carney pivots toward China, Canada finds itself navigating an unprecedented geopolitical moment. Read SPPGA faculty insight in the media.
The Nature Conservancy Appoints Dr. Rashid Sumaila to Global Board of Directors
“His vision for sustainable management of our shared global ocean is exactly what the world needs at this pivotal moment. ” said Jennifer Morris, CEO of The Nature Conservancy
Reflections from the Second World Summit for Social Development: A Delegate Perspective by Esther C. K. Nnorom
MPPGA student Esther C. K. Nnorom reflects on her experience as part of Canada’s official delegation at the Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD2).
The Competing Demands of Climate Leadership
SPPGA faculty examine how climate change is reshaping resource systems, exposing contradictions between environmental commitments and economic policy across pipelines, oceans, and fisheries.
MPPGA Students Win Judge’s Choice Award at Movement YVR’s Transit’s Next Top Funding Model
MPPGA students Kiran Nahal, Khadija Rana, and Jasleen Kaur Johal-Takhar took home the Judge’s Choice Award at Movement YVR’s Transit’s Next Top Funding Model Pitch
Academia and Activism: Reflections from CEDAR and the Social Forum in Wolastokuk
Prof. M.V. Ramana and MPPGA graduate students, Bahaar Abbas and Lilly Floerke share reflections on the Social Forum in Wolastokuk and CEDAR (Contesting Energy Discourses through Action Research).
2026 CARE Conference Call for Student Posters – Apply by December 15th
The CARE Program is delighted to invite applications for the CARE Conference Poster Presentation & Networking Showcase, taking place during the upcoming CARE Annual Conference, held at Sciences Po in Paris on 4-7 March 2026.
Reframing Climate Change through Indigenous Narratives
Moderated by Rick Harp and co-convened by SPPGA/CIS Prof. Candis Callison, this panel discussion featured powerful reflections from journalists and storytellers Judi Kochon, Paul Seesequasis, Tanya Talaga, and Mark Trahant
Raphael Choquette awarded CARE Scholarship, Supporting the Next Generation of Climate-Conscious Global Leaders
“UBC is a world-leading institution in sustainability, and the CARE scholarship provided me with an amazing opportunity to combine my French background with a world-class education in Canada.”
Youth Diplomacy in Action: MPPGA Alum Marcos Avina Shares Lessons from the Y20 Summit
In August of 2025, recent MPPGA alum Marcos Avina (Class of 2025) traveled to South Africa to represent Canada at the Y20. He shares reflections of his experience here.
Vancouver residents motivated to prepare for disasters, but seek more support and connection
A new report from UBC’s Disaster Resilience Research Network (DRRN) in collaboration with the City of Vancouver Emergency Management Agency (VEMA) is authored in part by by Prof. Sara Shneiderman, MPPGA student Hang Cheng Ip and recent MPPGA alum Raahina Somani.
Advancing Climate Justice: Reflections from CARE Interns at UBC
From Paris to Vancouver, Anouk Bassou, Justine Babin, and Leo Ruesche Neggia share their experiences as part of the Climate Adaptation, Resilience and Empowerment (CARE) Internship Program
Olav Slaymaker Scholarship in Environment – Apply by Oct 6
The Olav Slaymaker Scholarship in Environment supports UBC doctoral or Master’s students working on topics related to environmental issues.
Meet Practitioner Fellow Soo-Young Hwang, Environmental Governance and Policy Expert
Soo-Young Hwang joins SPPGA as a practitioner fellow, offering her expertise in environmental governance and legal policy.
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.
Prof. David Boyd Awarded Honorary Doctorate of Laws by Nelson Mandela University
Nelson Mandela University conferred the Honorary Doctor of Laws on Prof. David Boyd during its graduation ceremony on April 22, 2025).
Integrated Approaches to Climate Change: UBC Delegation at the 2025 CARE Conference
A delegation of 11 UBC faculty, staff and students came together with close to 100 participants from all four CARE partner institutions as well as leading experts from the public and private sectors for this year’s CARE conference.
Where do Canada’s fruits and vegetables come from? New website maps the flow into provinces
Prof. Navin Ramankutty and Dr. Kushank Bajaj (SPPGA; IRES) help Canadians reconnect with the story of their food with the new website Canada Food Flows
Training Future Policy Leaders to Tackle Climate Change: A Conversation with Prof Milind Kandlikar
Professor Milind Kandlikar reflects on his career in a conversation with SPPGA, sharing his motivations and unpacking the global issues that he strives to address.
Juan Cristóbal Collado, MPPGA Second Year Student Exploring Solutions to Global Sustainability
Meet Juan Cristóbal Collado, a student in his second year of the Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs (MPPGA) program. We chatted with Cristóbal to learn more about his background of conducting policy projects in Mexico, as well as how the MPPGA program has fostered his interest in research focused on natural resources and […]
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.
Netheena Mathews, MPPGA Second Year Student Designing Policy through a Journalistic Lens
Meet Netheena Mathews, a current second-year student of the Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs program. We chatted with Netheena to discover how her unique experiences have shaped her interest in policy design, and listened to her key takeaways from the MPPGA program thus far. Introduce yourself! What is your background? I joined the […]
Food Security, Climate Change & Biodiversity Loss: A Conversation with Professor Rashid Sumaila
Professor Rashid Sumaila reflects on his career in a conversation with SPPGA, sharing his motivations and unpacking the global issues that he strives to address.
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.
“Who stands to benefit?” To engage in deep-sea mining or not. Not, say international scientists
Rashid Sumaila-led analysis reveals deep sea mining’s minimal benefits, significant harm.
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.
A partner in food security: MPPGA alumni present their agri-food trade project to policymakers
MPPGA Graduates make waves with with their GP2 project on Canada’s ASEAN agriculture trade.
SPPGA Assist. Prof. Tarun M. Khanna awarded Hampton New Faculty Grant
Congratulations Assist. Prof. Tarun M. Khanna for being honored with the Hampton New Faculty Grant!
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.
Professor Andrea Reimer Appointed to BC Climate Solutions Council
Adjunct Professor and political leader Andrea Reimer was recently appointed to the BC Climate Solutions Council.
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.
Dr. Rashid Sumaila Awarded Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement
SPPGA congratulates Dr. Rashid Sumaila for being named the 2023 Tyler Prize laureate.
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.
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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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: 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. 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. 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. David Boyd: UN Says Access to A Healthy Environment Is A Human Right
Prof. David Boyd (SPPGA; IRES) calls for Australia to declare access to a healthy environment a human right.
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. 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. 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.
Prof. David Boyd: Slovenia: UN Expert to Assess Effects of Environmental Risks on Human Rights
Through a visit to Slovenia, UN Special Rapporteur and Prof. David Boyd (SPPGA; IRES) will assess how environmental risks affect human rights.
Prof. David Boyd: Portugal: Accelerate Rights-Based Climate and Environmental Action
UN Special Rapporteur and Prof. David Boyd (SPPGA; IRES) calls for accelerating rights-based climate action in Portugal.
Prof. Rashid Sumaila: Globe Climate: Why Getting Women and Girls in the Fishing Boat is Good for the Environment
Prof. Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; UBC Oceans) comments on The Globe and Mail’s article on Globe Climate
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.
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.
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. David Boyd: How Biodiversity Coverage Shapes Lives and Policies
Prof. David Boyd (SPPGA; IRES) is mentioned in an impact report regarding his book, The Rights of Nature (2017).
Prof. David Boyd: Historic UN Resolution on the Right to a Clean, Healthy, and Sustainable Environment
UN Special Rapporteur and Prof. David Boyd (SPPGA; IRES) hailed the adoption of a historic resolution by the UN General Assembly. The resolution recognizes, for the first time, the human right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment for everyone, everywhere.
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.
Prof. Kristen Hopewell: Canadian Pulse Producers Eye Improving Trade with India as Hefty Tariff Suspension Extended
SPPGA Prof. Kristen Hopewell discusses opportunities for strengthening agricultural trade between Canada and India.
Prof. Heidi Tworek: Using Animal History to Inform Current Debates in Gene Editing Farm Animals: A Systematic Review
Dr. Heidi Tworek (SPPGA) collaborates with researchers on published paper and bring animal history to contemporary research
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
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.
Prof. Rashid Sumaila: US Needs a National Action Plan to Stem the Tide of Plastic Pollution
Prof. Rashid Sumaila co-authors an article highlighting the urgent need for a national plan to curb the high amount of plastic pollution in the U.S.
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. Rashid Sumaila: The First Version of Puerto de Ideas Biobío Will Focus on Nature
Prof. Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; IOF) discusses the concept of “infinity fish,” and how protecting marine ecosystems would sustain fishery resources.
The Right to a Healthy Environment and Biodiversity Law: Embedding an Intersectionality Approach for Transformative Change
Learn about the recent work of Dr. Claudia Ituarte-Lima, visiting scholar at SPPGA and senior researcher at the Raoul Wallenberg Institute on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law.
Rashid Sumaila: Bottom Trawling in the Med Supported by ‘Generous Handouts’
Prof. Rashid Sumaila (IOF; SPPGA) comments on a new study he co-reviewed on the trawling sector in the Western Mediterrnean.
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.
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.