Honorary Research Associate Nathan J. Bennett: Mainstreaming Equity and Justice in the Ocean
Honorary Research Associate Nathan J. Bennett (SPPGA; IRES) writes a journal article about equity and justice considerations in marine conservation, fisheries management, and blue economy development.
Director and Prof. Allison Macfarlane: Nuclear waste: Concerns of a Storage Facility in Southern U.S.
SPPGA Director and Prof. Allison Macfarlane discusses concerns around safety and storage of nuclear fuel in interim storage facilities in West Texas.
Prof. Philippe Le Billon: Beyond Local: Conservation has to Adapt in an Era of Climate Change
Professor Philippe Le Billon (SPPGA; Geography) co-authors a Midland Today article suggesting non-traditional approaches to conservation, including ways to address climate-induced displacement.
Global Policy Projects: MPPGA Students Engage with Clients on Policy Challenges
The Global Policy Project allows MPPGA students to engage with policymakers and client organizations to solve a real-world policy challenge. Learn about some of this year’s projects, with topics related to housing crisis, climate policy and reconciliation.
George Hoberg: B.C. Says Its Climate Plan Is World Leading. So Why Are Emissions Going in the Wrong Direction?
Professor George Hoberg discusses the reasons why B.C.’s climate plan is unsuccessful in bringing down emissions despite claims made by the B.C. government.
Prof. M.V. Ramana: Nuclear Waste Management: Is Finland’s Onkalo Facility Safe?’
Professor M.V. Ramana discusses the impacts Finland’s plans to store nuclear waste in an underground facility will have on the environment, humans, and other living organisms.
Prof. George Hoberg: BC’s Climate Plan in Light of IPCC Report
Professor George Hoberg comments on the promises outlined in B.C.’s climate plan in light of the newly released IPCC report. Watch on CBC Vancouver News at 6 (starts at 7:29).
Prof. Philippe Le Billon: Species on the Move: 4 Ways Conservation Can Adapt in an Era of Climate Change
Professor Philippe Le Billon (SPPGA; Geography) co-authors a The Conversation article on four ways to rethink species conservation and displacement to adapt to climate change impacts accordingly.
Prof. George Hoberg: Why the Federal Government’s Climate Reduction Roadmap Moves Canada in the Right Direction
Professor George Hoberg joins Ben O’Hara-Byrne on his A Little More Conversation podcast to talk about Canada’s first real roadmap to meet 2030 climate target, which was released on March 29, 2022.
Prof. George Hoberg: Is Canada’s Plan to Reduce Oil/Gas Emissions 42% By 2030 Too Ambitious?
Professor George Hoberg is featured on Energi Media to discuss the feasibility of Canada’s new climate plan to cut 42% of oil and gas emissions by 2030.
Prof. Philippe Le Billon: Fish Crimes in the Global Oceans
Professor Philippe Le Billon (SPPGA; Geography) co-publishes research reports outlining two studies on global fisheries-related crimes.
Prof. Nadja Kunz: The Economic Case for the Mining Industry to Support Carbon Taxation
Professor Nadja Kunz (SPPGA; NBK Institute of Mining Engineering) co-authors an article that suggests that contrary to the mining industry’s widespread opposition to taxes, the industry actually has an economic incentive to support global carbon taxes.
Prof. M.V. Ramana: Ottawa Pours More Money into Next-Gen Nuclear Tech; Critics to Push Back Against ‘Dangerous Distraction’
Professor M.V. Ramana argues against Innovation, Science and Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne’s newly announced investment in nuclear technology, stating that renewable sources of energy are more practical.
SPPGA Faculty Awarded Research Excellence Clusters Funds
Six faculty members with the UBC School of Public Policy and Global Affairs have received funding through the Research Excellence Clusters initiative in 2022/23, among the forty research excellence clusters led by researchers on the Vancouver campus.
Prof. M.V. Ramana: Thorium-fueled Nuclear Reactors Won’t Help Cut Emissions
In response to the latest development in the series of agreements involving Thorcon Power, Professor M.V. Ramana argues in a Jakarta Post article that renewables are a better option than thorium-fueled nuclear reactors to reduce emissions. (Subscription)
Rashid Sumaila: Africa Can Help Save the Natural World and the Livelihoods of Africans
Professor Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; IOF) writes about how South Africa has shown that nature and commerce can coexist, and that the world can learn from their models.
News Compilation: Environmental ‘Sacrifice Zones’ Media Mentions
Professor David Boyd (SPPGA; IRES) discusses the rise of pollution “sacrifice zones” in a recent United Nations report.
Prof M.V. Ramana: Canada’s Big Banks Urged to Drop Nuclear from Green Investment Portfolios
With 78 public interest groups urging Canada’s biggest banks to drop investments in Small Modular Reactors, Professor M.V. Ramana shares why nuclear investments pose huge risks for both private and public investors.
Investment in Conserving Land, Oceans Can Benefit Economies and the Environment
Professor Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries) notes how nature conservation brings long-term economic and environmental benefits.
Professor David Boyd to Present Report on the Right to a Clean, Healthy and Sustainable Environment
Professor David Boyd (SPPGA; IRES) contributes two annexes, on global sacrifice zones and good practices respectively, to the report and is set to present it to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on March 10.
SPPGA Welcomes 2022 Liu Scholars
The Liu Institute for Global Issues at SPPGA welcomes our 2022 Liu Scholars who are working with SPPGA faculty on projects centered on: Sustainable food systems; Climate crisis politics; Global health; Online communication; and/or Energy transitions.
Spotlight on MPPGA Alumni Careers – Series Compilation
Our alumni careers series showcased MPPGA alumni who are committed to addressing urgent and complex public policy challenges. This particular series highlighted alumni careers focused on the environment as well as careers focused on the advancement of education, rights, and health for Indigenous people.
Prof. Gerald Baier Comments on B.C.’s Speech from the Throne
Professor Gerald Baier (CSDI Acting Director; Political Science) discusses the provincial government’s plan regarding the health and safety for the months ahead.
Prof. Nadja Kunz: Mining Industry Would Boom Under a Global Carbon Tax
Professor Nadja Kunz (SPPGA; Norman B Keevil Institute of Mining Engineering) co-authors a study showing how sustainability interests can align with the mining industry’s economic interests through a harmonized global carbon tax.
Spotlight on MPPGA Alumni Careers – Denby McDonnell
During our Spotlight on MPPGA Alumni Careers series, meet Denby McDonnell who works as a Program Manager, Climate Innovation at Ecotrust Canada.
Prof. Navin Ramankutty: Ten Facts about Land Systems for Sustainability
Professor Navin Ramankutty (SPPGA; IRES) collaborates with other experts to create a study aiming to guide policymakers, practitioners, and scientists towards meeting sustainability challenges in land use.
Spotlight on MPPGA Alumni Careers – Kingsley Eze
During our Spotlight on MPPGA Alumni Careers series, meet Kingsley Eze who is a Senior Consultant in the Climate Change and Sustainability Practice at Ernst & Young.
MPPGA Students Working Towards Real Policy Impact through Global Policy Project
UBC Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs (MPPGA) student teams have been conducting virtual fieldwork with clients on projects in Canada, India, and Mongolia as part of the 2021-2022 Global Policy Projects.
Spotlight on MPPGA Alumni Careers – Eseohe Ojo
During our Spotlight on MPPGA Alumni Careers series, meet Eseohe Ojo who works as a Program Manager at GreenPAC.
Could Nuclear Power Help B.C. Reach Its Climate Change Goals? SFU Research Makes the Case
Professor M. V. Ramana discusses whether nuclear power could be the solution for B.C. to reach its climate goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The Plan to Turn My Hometown into A Nuclear Waste Dump
SPPGA Director and Professor Allison Macfarlane shares her insight on whether Canada will have found a home, and a permanent solution, for the country’s nuclear waste by 2023.
Climate Negotiations Take Tentative Steps to Phase Out Fossil Fuel Production
Professor Philippe Le Billon (SPPGA; Geography) shares why climate meetings need to discuss fossil fuels, and why incentives are needed to accelerate its decline.
Overfishing Fuels South China Sea Tensions, Risks Armed Conflict, Researcher Says
Professor Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; IOF) discusses how a collapse in the fishing industry caused by overfishing and climate change could fuel major tensions and armed conflict in the South China Sea.
Scientists Warn of Fisheries Collapse in East and South China Sea
Professor Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; IOF) shares why it is necessary to take immediate action to reduce fishing effort in the East and South China Sea, warning that regional fishing economies are at risk of collapse.
The Blue Hour with Rashid Sumaila on Fisheries and Economies
Professor Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; IOF) discusses the significance of oceans to humans and the need to find creative means to protect them.
The Difficult Balance Between Sea Conservation and Fishing Exploitation
Professor Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; IOF) and other experts express concerns about global fisheries’ risk of facing economic collapse due to overfishing.
Meet Our SPPGA Directors – Series Compilation
Meet our SPPGA directors in this leadership interview series and explore what drives our directors’ research, policy engagement, and teaching, and how you can connect with their work.
Shunned after Fukushima, Nuclear Industry Hopes Smaller Reactors Can Play Role in Energy Transition
While proponents claim small nuclear reactors are safe, many, including Professor Ramana, understand that “nuclear fission is inherently dangerous and it’s difficult to judge the safety of reactors that haven’t been licensed or produced yet.”
B.C. Food Prices in 2022 Forecast to be Above Already-High National Average
With the release of a news report detailing the 2022 national forecast for food prices, Professor Matias Margulis (SPPGA; LFS) examines why B.C. prices are estimated to be above the already high national average.
Three Myths About Renewable Energy and the Grid, Debunked
Professor M. V Ramana co-authors this article debunking myths surrounding renewable energy, and the argument that solar cannot be the foundation of a dependable electricity grid.
You’ll See More Carbon Labels in the Grocery Store Next Year. Here’s What They Mean.
Professor Navin Ramankutty (SPPGA; IRES) discusses the best ways to approach climate solutions, and whether attaching carbon labels to products at the grocery store is an effective method.
Meet Our SPPGA Directors – Professor George Hoberg
In our SPPGA Faculty Leadership series, meet Dr. George Hoberg, Professor with the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs (SPPGA) and Graduate Program Director of the professional Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs (MPPGA) program at the University of British Columbia. In an interview with SPPGA, Professor Hoberg shares what drives his research, […]
Ocean Sustainability for All Requires Deeper Behavioural Research
This article co-authored by Professor Philippe Le Billon (SPPGA; Geography) discusses how behavioural science can enhance ocean sustainability by providing insights into illegal fishing.
Why I Attended COP26 – MPPGA Alum Denby McDonnell
Denby McDonnell, a Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs alumni, participated in the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) on behalf of her employer, Ecotrust Canada. Learn about her key takeaways in this interview.
SPPGA Engages with COP26
Several members of the SPPGA community and faculty speak on their participation or share their expertise on the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26).
Prof. Rashid Sumaila Receives Prestigious SSHRC 2021 Impact Award
Dr. Rashid Sumaila is the recipient of the 2021 Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Impact Award in the Partnership category. Dr. Sumaila will receive the Impact Award on behalf of the OceanCanada Partnership, a SSHRC-funded research initiative.
Key Takeaways from COP26 – Professor Rashid Sumaila
We spoke with Professor Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; IOF) about his participation in the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) and his key takeaways.
All About Money with UBC’s Rashid Sumaila – Part 2
In part two of this interview with Hong Kong International Business Channel, Professor Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; IOF) discusses Hong Kong’s role in the fishing industry as a ‘disproportionately’ large consumer.
Modular Nuclear Reactors a ‘Long Shot’ Worth Studying, Says Yukon Gov’t
Professor M.V. Ramana argues that small modular reactors (SMRs) are not a practical and realistic approach to reducing emissions for Yukon and the rest of Canada.
All About Money with UBC’s Rashid Sumaila
In a discussion with Hong Kong International Business Channel, Professor Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; IOF) examines some of the main drivers of depleting commercial fish populations, including fish farms – and how they’re in fact contributing to overfishing.
Eliminating Harmful Fishing Subsidies: Lessons from Regional Trade Agreements
Professor Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; IOF) breaks down how eliminating harmful fishing subsidies could save the planet’s oceans and ocean economy.
Ways of Knowing S02E06: Naomi Klein on Climate Justice
Professor M.V. Ramana is joined by Professor Naomi Klein on the Peter Wall Institute for Advanced Studies’ Ways of Knowing podcast to discuss her intellectual journey with environmentalism, economics, social justice, and politics.
Local Procurement, Shared Value, and Sustainable Development: A Case Study from the Mining Sector in Mongolia
Professor Nadja Kunz (SPPGA; Norman B Keevil Institute of Mining Engineering) co-authors this article examining a case study in Mongolia to see the challenges confronting mining, traditional livelihoods, and sustainable development.
Instead of Shopping This Black Friday, Consider Curbing Your Consumption
As Black Friday kicks off the holiday shopping season, Professor Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; UBC Oceans) urges consumers to make the connection between what they buy and what eventually ends up harming our ecosystems—and our health.
Report Shares Good and Bad News for Canada’s Fisheries
Professor Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; IOF) discusses the need for Fisheries and Oceans Canada to implement new fishing regulations to conserve and rebuild depleting fish stocks with Global News Canada.
Nuclear Power and America’s Clean Energy Future
With US government funding lined up to put shovels in the ground for new nuclear test plants, SPPGA Director and Professor Allison Macfarlane discusses uncertainties surrounding the promise of nuclear power.
Should Nuclear Have a Place in Canada’s Climate Strategy?
As Canada commits to new climate targets following COP26, Professor M. V. Ramana argues that Canada should focus on renewables, rather than nuclear energy sources as the answer for both climate and post-COVID economic woes.
Why I Attended COP26 and What I Learnt – Temitope Onifade
The 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow has recently concluded. Temitope Onifade, PhD candidate at the Allard School of Law and Co-chair of the Liu Institute Network for Africa at the Liu Institute for Global Issues, UBC School of Public Policy and Global Affairs, University of British Columbia participated as […]
Fishery Subsidy: India to Seek Fairer Deal at WTO
As India is pushing for a fair fishery subsidy deal at the WTO, this article shares a study led by Professor Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; UBC Oceans) showing that the subsidy in India is billions of dollars lower than other countries.
Plenty of Fish in the Ocean? Not so Around China, Says Study Warning of Seafood Collapse
Fish stocks in the South China Sea are at risk of collapse if action is not taken in the next 10 years to reduce overfishing and the effects of climate change. Professor Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; UBC Oceans) states that it is important to enforce sustainable fishing practices so that fisheries can continue to feed and nourish us.
Is Nuclear Power the Way Forward to Combat the Climate Crisis?
As the United Nations Climate Change Conference wraps up, SPPGA Director and Professor Allison Macfarlane states that there is a definite need to move away from fossil fuels, and that nuclear power could potentially be the way forward.
For Local Fishers to Compete, African Leaders Must Urge WTO Members to End Harmful Subsidies
Professor Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA & UBC Oceans) co-authors an article looking at harmful fisheries subsidies and threats to Africa’s fish stocks.
Scientists Urging Members to Reach MC12 Fishing Subsidies Agreement Present Letter to DG Okonjo-Iweala
As a lead co-author, Professor Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; UBC Oceans) presented a letter calling for the WTO to curb harmful fisheries subsidies to Director-General Okonjo-Iweala on behalf of nearly 400 ocean experts.
Going Nuclear on Climate Change
Director Allison Macfarlane enters the debate over the role of nuclear power in achieving net zero carbon emissions (Subscription).
Sink or Swim: The Future of Fisheries in the East and South China Seas
Professor Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; UBC Oceans) co-authors a report warning that Asia’s marine ecosystems are under serious threat and calls for immediate policy action.
AMS Turns Focus to Reducing Employee Carbon Emissions as Part of Net-zero Emissions Plan
Professor Milind Kandlikar (SPPGA; IRES) weighs in on the AMS plan to hit net-zero emissions and on the long-term impacts of offsetting carbon emissions.
Joint Statement by UN human rights experts – Accelerate the end of the coal era to protect human rights
Professor David Boyd (SPPGA; IRES) makes a statement about the necessity to end the coal era in order to protect a range of human rights, including the rights to a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment, to life, to health, and the rights of the child and the rights of Indigenous peoples.
Tax Air Travel and Sea Shipping to Help Climate-Vulnerable Nations, UN Expert Tells COP-26 Leaders
In a message directed to world leaders gathering for COP-26, Professor David Boyd (SPPGA; IRES) states that new taxes on air travel and maritime shipping could raise the billions of dollars needed to help the countries suffering most from climate change.
Nuclear Industry Has High Hopes for Net-Zero Future
Professor M. V. Ramana, Professor Nadja Kunz (SPPGA, Mining Engineering), and Sarah Froese (MPPGA Alum) were quoted about the future of nuclear power.
Can Nuclear Power Stay Relevant in a World Filled with Renewables?
Professor M. V. Ramana speaks with POWER Magazine as a contributor to Mycle Schneider Consulting’s World Nuclear Industry Status Report 2021 about the structural challenges of nuclear power.
COP26: Strong Carbon-trading Rules Could Help the World Avoid Dangerous Levels of Global Warming
Despite recent government decisions to shutter coal-fired power plants in wealthier nations, coal remains the source of almost 40% of the world’s electricity. MPPGA alumna Citlali Cruz Cruz discusses a way that COP26 could lay the groundwork for an international emissions-trading system that could bring an end to the production of coal-fired electricity.
The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant: The Long, Troubled, Costly and Dangerous Life and After-Life of a Very Old Idea
With Bangladesh on the way to having its first nuclear power plant, Professor M. V. Ramana co-authors this article discussing the costly, dangerous life and after life that constitute a nuclear-powered nation.
WTO Must Ban Harmful Fisheries Subsidies
This letter in SCIENCE signed by nearly 300 scientists, including Professors Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; UBC Oceans), Kristen Hopewell, and Philippe Le Billon (SPPGA; Geography), urges the WTO to make the commitment to eliminate harmful fisheries subsidies.
Experts Are Trying to Convince WTO to Ban Harmful Fisheries
Professor Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; UBC Oceans) appeared on GB News to discuss why it is necessary for the WTO to eliminates subsidies for fuel, distant-water and destructive fishing fleets, and illegal and unregulated vessels.
Experts Are Trying to Convince WTO to Ban Harmful Fisheries
Professor Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; UBC Oceans) speaks with GB News as the lead author of an open letter written by nearly 300 experts that urges the WTO to ban fisheries subsidies.
The ‘Glaring Gap’ in B.C.’s New Climate Plan
Professor George Hoberg states that the B.C. government’s new CleanBC plan has sent “an important signal” to the oil and gas industry, despite the lack of clarity around the industry’s emissions reductions.
Under New Emissions Plan, B.C. Accelerates Phase-Out of Gas-Powered Cars
The B.C. government has released the new CleanBC Roadmap to 2030, outlining B.C.’s climate plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. SPPGA Professor George Hoberg commends the ambitions but criticizes the lack of clarity surrounding capping emissions on oil and gas utilities.
Doubling of Global Demand for Aquatic Foods Calls for a ‘Blue Food Revolution’ to Tackle Climate Change and Malnutrition
In this podcast episode with Kelly Cutrara, Professor Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; UBC Oceans) discusses how the increasing global demand for aquatic foods calls for a ‘blue food revolution’ to help combat climate change and malnutrition.
New Book: Infinity Fish
Professor Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; IOF) authors a new book titled Infinity Fish, a science-based reference that explains the economic and ecological benefits of restoring marine ecosystems and sustaining ocean resources.
Analysts Say China on Track to Meet Carbon Targets Despite Challenges
In anticipation for the COP26 United Nations Climate Change Conference, the world is following China closely as they are the largest global polluter. Professor Yves Tiberghien (SPPGA Faculty Associate; Political Science) discusses China’s accomplishments in sustainability and states that they are on track to meet carbon targets despite current challenges.
Ramana, Makhijani: Look Before You Leap on Nuclear
Professor Ramana explains why the proposal to build a Natrium nuclear reactor in Wyoming is unlikely to be commercially viable, taking into account the long history of failed sodium cooled reactor projects around the world (Paywall).
Chromatic: Ten Meditations on Crisis in Art and Letters
Read this new collection of essays and illustrations from the Peter Wall Institute for Advanced Studies, offering 10 illustrated meditations on crisis from the 2020 Wall Scholars. Professor Ramana writes on the nuclear crisis in Japan at a time of global upheaval.
Pay Close Attention to Russia’s Small Neighbor on Energy
Achieving carbon neutrality is a matter that’s the source of headache for many politicians. But if there’s one country with clear and ambitious energy targets, it’s Finland. Former Postdoctoral Fellow Vincent Ialenti comments on Finland’s “mankala model”.
UN Recognition of Human Right to Healthy Environment Gives Hope for Planet’s Future
A historic milestone was achieved today when the Human Rights Council’s recognized the human right to a healthy environment. This has the potential to improve the life of everyone on the planet, says Prof. David Boyd (SPPGA; IRES), UN Special Rapporteur on human rights and environment.
UBC Sending Delegation of Eight to COP26
UBC President Santa J. Ono announced the successful applicants that will represent UBC as official observers at the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow this November. Among the eight delegates selected is Professor Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; UBC Oceans).
Crisis Conservation and Green Extraction: Biodiversity Offsets as Spaces of Double Exception
Professor Philippe Le Billon (SPPGA; Geography) discusses the politics of affinity and enmity shaping the extraction-conservation nexus and suggests that convergence of extraction and conservation reflects common politics of enmity directed at local communities that legitimize exclusionary practices rather than solve capitalisms contradictions.
On the Politics of Waste, Race, and Disposability
Professor Ramana, Professor Arefin (Geography), and Professor Troeung (English) discuss the overlooked topic of waste, in a fascinating conversation about the ethics of waste surveillance and how waste is a product of a broader system of power, politics and inequality.
Renewed WTO Talks on Subsidies Zero in on Overcapacity, Overfishing
The World Trade Organization is again negotiating an agreement to end harmful fishery subsidies after more than two decades on the matter. Professor Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; UBC Oceans) stresses that it is crucial for negotiators to continue working on the issues holding up the agreement.
Indonesian Court Rules President Negligent over Pollution
The Central Jakarta District Court orders President Widodo and six other officials to strengthen air quality standards after finding them guilty of neglecting citizens’ right to clean air. Professor David Boyd (SPPGA & UBC IRES) emphasizes the constitutional and legislative duty of the Indonesian government to protect its people from the dire consequences of air pollution.
Fish Consumption to Double by 2050, According to New Report
A Blue Food Assessment report estimates global consumption of fish and shellfish will almost double by 2050. Professor Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA & UBC Oceans) advises blue food exporters to carefully evaluate the trade-off between export revenues and domestic nutrition.
Nuclear Power: Why Molten Salt Reactors Are Problematic and Canada Investing in Them Is a Waste
One of the beneficiaries leading-up to the federal election has been the nuclear energy industry, specifically molten salt reactors. Professor Ramana states that molten salt reactors are problematic and that Canada investing in them is a waste.
Fight ‘Galamsey’ at High Sea!
Dr. Rashid Sumaila, (SPPGA; UBC Oceans) discussed the cost of illicit trade in West Africa marine resources. He says “resources to tackle illegal and unreported fishing, especially those that fuel illicit trade, need to be pulled at both at regional and continental levels.”
Human Rights Could Address the Health and Environmental Costs of Food Production
Professor David Boyd discusses the devastating impacts caused by industrially produced food, and argues that transforming food systems that are inflicting tens of trillions of dollars in health and environmental damages is essential for realizing human rights.
Research Network on Women, Peace and Security and MINDS Combine Forces to Address Threats to Well-being of Women and Girls
The Research Network on Women, Peace and Security, an international, bilingual research hub leading a multi-faceted study of the Government of Canada’s Women, Peace and Security agenda, was recently funded $750,000 over three years by the Department of National Defence via the Mobilizing Insights in Defence and Security program.
Beyond Productivism Versus Agroecology: Lessons for Sustainable Food Systems from Lovins’ Soft Path Energy Policies
Professor Navin Ramankutty (SPPGA; UBC IRES) co-authors a paper that suggests a multi-pronged approach to environmentally sustainable food systems.
A Regional Agreement for Healthy Eco-Systems in Latin America & the Caribbean
Latin America and Caribbean continues to face dire ecological challenges. Claudia Ituarte-Lima argues that cooperation between vibrant grass-roots, civil society and government will be vital in championing the global recognition of the right to a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment.
Policy Matters 22 – Special Issue on Environmental Defenders
Professor Philippe Le Billon (SPPGA; Geography) co-edited a three-volume issue of IUCN’s Policy Matters on the topic of environmental defenders and biodiversity conservation.
Are Vietnamese Fishers Poachers? The Reality Is Far More Complex Than That.
For Vietnamese fishers, their fate is now largely charted not just by their country’s fishing regulations but also by that of their neighbors in the South China Sea. Rappler cited a study co-authored by Professor Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA & UBC Oceans), which found that destructive fishing practices have decimated the East Sea’s fish stocks since the 1950s.
Asia’s Wealthiest Man Is Going Green but Still Gets Rich off Oil
SPPGA Professor Ramana says it would be hard for Reliance Industries, which owns the world’s largest oil refining complex, to dissociate from the emissions-heavy fossil fuel business despite their efforts to build more environmentally friendly products.
Human Rights Must Be at Heart of UN Plan to save Planet – Expert
Professor David Boyd (SPPGA/IRES), UN Special Rapporteur on human rights and the environment, says it’s not an option to leave human rights on the periphery. This is in regards to the upcoming conference to finalize the UN Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, which will look at threats to biodiversity, human well-being and the future of life on Earth.