Dr. Heidi Tworek Appointed as Member of CCA Expert Panel on Public Safety in the Digital Age
Dr. Heidi Tworek (SPPGA; History) has been appointed as a member of the Expert Panel on Public Safety in the Digital Age hosted by the Council of Canadian Academies (CCA).
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.
China Weighs In on Canada’s Election After Conservatives Promise to ‘Stand Up’ to Beijing
Despite the Conservative Party having China in its election cross hairs after their promise to “stand up to Beijing,” Professor Yves Tiberghien (SPPGA Faculty Associate; Political Science) says that Canada’s stance on China remains contingent on developments in the US-China relationship.
China’s Cotton Subsidies Immiserate Farmers in the World’s Poorest Countries
“Cotton subsidies have long been seen as a symbol of the injustice in international trade”, writes Professor Kristen Hopewell. In China, cotton subsidies give farmers an artificial advantage in global markets while devastating farmers in low-income countries.
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.”
[Federal Election] Analysis of Political Parties’ China Policy (BC)
Professor Paul Evans speaks in an interview regarding the Canadian election and the country’s China policy. (Video in Chinese).
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.
Stopping the Hostile Online Attacks Hurled at Candidates
While candidates of the 2021 Canadian election have taken to social media to promote their campaigns, they often receive hostile responses. Professor Heidi Tworek and Chris Tenove discuss the impact that negative social media posts are having on political candidates, and states that all Canadians need to be part of the strategy to combat incivility.
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.
Delta Upends the East Asia COVID-19 Model
East Asian countries aced the COVID-19 battle in 2020 through strategies of implementing strict measures rapidly and effectively. Professor Yves Tiberghien (SPPGA Faculty Associate; Political Science) discusses how the largely successful East Asia COVID-19 model has partially fragmented since the summer of 2021 in the face of the Delta variant and growing socio-economic costs.
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.
Prof. Sheryl Lightfoot Elected Member of The College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists by Royal Society of Canada
Congratulations to Dr. Sheryl Lightfoot, Canada Research Chair of Global Indigenous Rights and Politics at UBC, for being elected as a Member of the College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists by the Royal Society of Canada.
Canada, Allies Watchful of How China Will Fill Western Void in Afghanistan
With the withdrawal of the United States and its allies from Afghanistan, China is stepping into the void to exert influence on the troubled country. Professor Paul Evans states that avoiding spillover of terrorist groups into China is the number one priority.
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.
Thousands of People in BC Remain Unvaccinated. How Can Health Officials Convince Them to get Immunized?
CBC News spoke to Dr. Heidi Tworek (SPPGA; History) about the challenge of improving COVID-19 immunization efforts as thousands of people in B.C. remain unvaccinated.
Third Covid-19 Shots Must Be Offered to Immunocompromised Canadians
In an op-ed for The Globe and Mail, Professor Kristen Hopewell discusses the implementation of a third Covid-19 shot for immunocompromised populations. For at-risk populations, a third dose may mean the difference between life and death, she adds.
SPPGA Welcomes Professor Maxwell A. Cameron – Q&A
Professor Maxwell A. Cameron joined the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs as a core faculty member. In this interview, Professor Cameron outlines his current research, engagement and how students can get involved in his work. Learn more about his work.
Canada’s China Relationship Edges Toward Strategic Clarity
With a federal election on the horizon, Professor Paul Evans remarks on, what he dubs, a “febrile moment in Canada–China relations.” Canada’s strategic silence on several controversial issues may be forced to an end, he writes in East Asia Forum.
Why Female Political Candidates in Canada are Receiving More Toxicity on Twitter
Professor Heidi Tworek (History; SPPGA) comments on why female political candidates in Canada are receiving more toxicity on social media, and how to deal with it.
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.
Is There a Nuclear Option for Stopping Climate Change?
A rapidly warming climate has people questioning whether nuclear power is a viable option for decarbonisation. Director Allison Macfarlane warns that the construction time for nuclear plants is much longer compared to renewable projects and America “can’t afford to wait that long” (Subscription).
Canada-North Korea Pursuing Academic Exchanges via Video Conference
Prof Kyung-Ae Park was interviewed on the topic of constructive engagement with North Korea during the COVID-19 period, discussing KPP’s recent initiatives of knowledge sharing via video conference with Pyongyang (in Korean)
Principled Governance When Everything Matters, Edited by Moura Quayle
Moura Quayle (UBC’s Vice-Provost and Associate Vice-President, Academic Affairs; SPPGA Professor and founding Director) is an editor of the book Principled Governance When Everything Matters, written by David S. Fushtey.
B.C.’s Extreme Heat Is Here to Stay. Critics Say Government’s Plan to Deal with It Is Dangerously Weak
Professor Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries) believes the economic impacts of the B.C. heat wave could be huge, especially in ocean-dependent sectors. He adds that food and nutritional security could be threatened due to lost aquaculture.
‘A Combination of Failures:’ Why 3.6m Pounds of Nuclear Waste Is Buried on a Popular California Beach
The backend of the nuclear cycle gets very little attention, says SPPGA Director Allison Macfarlane in response to why spent fuel often remains buried on-site. Handling stockpiles has always been an afterthought to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), she adds.
Sask. First Nation Communities Have 8 Active Outbreaks as Covid-19 Cases Continue to Rise
“The clearer you communicate, and more often to the large number of people, the more you can try to forestall poor quality information.” Professor Heidi Tworek (SPPGA; History) speaks on taking a granular approach to combating vaccine hesitancy.
Climate Services Promise Better Decisions but Mainly Focus on Better Data
Climate services are intended to improve climate-sensitive decisions by making climate information ‘useful, useable and used’. Professor Milind Kandlikar’s (SPPGA; IRES) co-authors a study to evaluate whether this model of climate science has been successfully implemented in the public sector (Subscription).
‘Our Place Under the Sun’: Survivor-Centred Approaches to Children Born of Wartime Sexual Violence
Professor Erin Baines and MPPGA alumna Alessia Rodríguez’s work on a survivor-centered approach for children ‘born of war’ has been published in Human Rights Review. Learn how this approach can empower children in processes of social reconstruction and reconciliation.
The Impact of Colonial-era Policies on Health Workforce Regulation in India: Lessons for Contemporary Reform
Read the latest paper that Professor Veena Sriram (SPPGA; SPPH) co-authored on the governance of health workforces. In particular, the paper focuses on the colonial origins of regulatory policies and their impact on low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) today.
Professor George Hoberg Publishes New Book: “The Resistance Dilemma: Place-Based Movements and the Climate Crisis”
What are the risks around a so-called “resistance dilemma” in a world hungry for clean and renewable energy? SPPGA Professor George Hoberg’s new book, “The Resistance Dilemma: Place-Based Movements and the Climate Crisis,” is a fresh take on the climate movement and its shift from lobbying to blocking new fossil fuel infrastructure.
Fossil Fuels, Climate Change, and the COVID-19 Crisis: Pathways for a Just and Green Post-Pandemic Recovery
A climate-positive COVID-19 recovery can accelerate the energy transition away from fossil fuels. Professor Philippe Le Billon (SPPGA; Geography) suggests that most fossil fuel producers are more likely to take on a ‘dirty’ recovery path out of the pandemic than a ‘green’ one.
South China Sea, Xinjiang Muddy Water of Fishing Subsidies Debate as WTO Faces ‘Crucial Test’
The World Trade Organization hopes to conclude negotiations over fishing subsidies this year after a twenty-year impasse. SPPGA Professor Kristen Hopewell was quoted on this article on environmentally damaging fisheries subsidies worth $35 billion, with China handing out the most (Subscription).
The Lawfare Podcast: With Disinformation, The Past Isn’t Past
How do current discussions around disinformation leave out or misinterpret history, and why should policymakers care? Professor Heidi Tworek (SPPGA; History) delves into how to better inform conversations around disinformation and misinformation.
Disputa China-Canadá: el juego político detrás de la condena a muerte de Robert Schellenberg
Professor Paul Evans and MPPGA Alumni Darren Touch were quoted on China’s “hostage diplomacy” following Canadian businessman Michael Spavor’s sentencing for alleged espionage. (Article in Spanish).
Opinion: The Battle to Breach Big Tech’s Walled Gardens
Transparency is not a silver bullet but is important in helping researchers and others understand what’s happening in big tech companies, says Professor Heidi Tworek (SPPGA; History) in response to the spread of disinformation online.
Covid-19: B.C.’s Strategy Is All about Vaccination – Even as Case Counts Rise
Pushing vaccine rates higher will require a shift away from the “one-size-fits-all” approach, says Professor Heidi Tworek (SPPGA; History). This would entail identifying and addressing the barriers to getting vaccinated, she adds.
U.S. Congress Introduces Bill to Target Donations from Foreign Adversaries to American Universities
Professor Kyung-Ae Park gave comments on the recent bill proposed by U.S. Congress on restricting donations to American universities from rival countries, such as North Korea (article in Korean).
Lessons from Trump’s Assault on the World Trade Organization
“Under Trump, the United States really began behaving as something of a rogue state in international trade.” Read the latest interview with Professor Kristen Hopewell on the recent rising tensions in trade and the future of the WTO.
Transparency Is Key to Curbing the Power of Big Tech
Disinformation in private groups on Facebook during Covid-19 may require a focus on agnotology, says Professor Heidi Tworek (SPPGA; History). Finding the source of engagement may lead to responsibilities tech giants don’t want, she adds.
Transparency in Environmental and Resource Governance: Theories of Change for the EITI
Professor Philippe Le Billon (SPPGA; Geography) co-authors article discussing how transparency is now a core principle in environmental and resource governance and identifies three “Theories of Change” for governance-by-disclosure and applies them to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative.
Why Canada Leaped Ahead of US in COVID-19 Vaccinations
Professor Heidi Tworek (SPPGA; History) believes that the removal of Covid-19 restrictions in Canada after meeting provincial immunization targets helped boost incentive to get vaccinated.
We’ve Been Here Before: Wyoming Nuclear Project Echoes of Past
After state officials unveiled Wyoming’s Natrium nuclear project, industry critics are doubtful plans will follow through. Director Allison Macfarlane warns that “we can’t pin our hopes on [nuclear] as the thing that’s going to get us out of the next 20 [crucial] years.”
Another 30 Years to Go – the Final Storage of High-level Radioactive Waste
Read the latest interview with SPPGA Director Allison Macfarlane, where she discusses the worldwide search for a nuclear repository, the factors that determine a successful site search and the current United States’ stalemate on this issue.
Mongolia Focus Celebrates its 10-Year Anniversary
The Mongolia Focus Blog is celebrating its 10-year anniversary. With over 700 posts from 70 contributors, Mongolia Focus will continue sharing observations on current developments in Mongolia with readers across the globe.
Targeting COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy
Professor Heidi Tworek (SPPGA; History) breaks down how we can have healthy conversations with our loved ones about getting vaccinated and what could be done to address the factors behind vaccine hesitancy.
Why Is the Vaccination Rate in the Interior and Northern Health Regions Relatively Low?
“To combat disinformation, we avoid stigmatizing people who haven’t gotten the vaccine yet.” Professor Heidi Tworek (SPPGA; History) places emphasis on taking an empathetic and curious approach in communicating with unvaccinated individuals.
Vaccine Hesitancy Between Family Members
Tune in to Professor Heidi Tworek’s (SPPGA; History) feature on an episode of CBC Early Edition, where she discusses the various reasons behind the remaining eligible 20% of British Columbians who have yet to receive the Covid-19 vaccine.
Province Shifting Vax Strategy to Reach Those Without a Dose
Factors such as trusted members of communities receiving Covid-19 vaccines and the government ensuring an easy pathway to receive a shot are helping reduce vaccine hesitancy in B.C., says Professor Heidi Tworek (SPPGA; History).
The National: The Push to Target Canada’s Unvaccinated
“There is a wide range of reasons why people are vaccine hesitant, and so we need a wide range of communications and other strategies to reach them.” Professor Heidi Tworek (SPPGA; History) speaks on solving Covid-19 vaccine hesitancy.
Can Small Modular Reactors Help Mitigate Climate Change?
Read the latest article Professor Ramana co-authored with Arjun Makhijani that analyzes the claims that small modular reactors (SMRs) will address the well-known problems of nuclear power, such as high costs, safety risks, and radioactive waste (paywall).
‘Together at the Heart’: Familial Relations and the Social Reintegration of Ex-Combatants
Read the latest publication from Professor Erin Baines and Carla Suarez examining the role that family relations play in combatants’ war and post-war trajectory within the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA).
Governments, Utilities and the Nuclear Industry Hope Small Modular Reactors Will Power Canada’s Future. Can They Actually Build One?
Designs that might seem captivating on paper might not actually work so well in real life, warns Professor Ramana. The real challenge is researching answers to safety concerns on small modular reactors (SMRs), which can set back projects by decades (paywall).
Environmental Defenders Deadly Struggles for Life and Territory
This book, edited By Mary Menton and Philippe Le Billon, is about environmental defenders and the violence they face while seeking to protect their land and the environment.
Pragmatic Advocacy: Advancing Racial Equity in Physician Associations
Read Professor Veena Sriram (SPPGA; SPPH) and Dr. Sorcha A. Brophy’s article that discusses the future of physician associations advocating for racial equity in the United States.
EU the New Kingpin in Global Trade Order
With the U.S. cutting off the WTO’s “entire mechanism for enforcing global trade rules and resolving disputes”, SPPGA Professor Kristen Hopewell remarks that the E.U. has stepped in to resolve this crisis.
Bitcoin Mining Firm Compass Inks Deal With Nuclear Microreactor Company Oklo
“The cost of generating nuclear electricity today is roughly about four times the cost of generating solar or wind power.” Professor Ramana gave comments on the viability and sustainability of nuclear-powered bitcoin mining.
Metro Vancouver Saw 15 times More Heat Wave Deaths than Estimated During Unprecedented Alert
In light of the recent heat wave in British Columbia, Professor Heidi Tworek (SPPGA; History) gave comments on how health communications could have been more effective to the public.
Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou Loses Court Bid to Enter New Evidence
After a B.C. Supreme Court ruling last week stopped Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou from submitting new evidence in her own extradition case, SPPGA Professor Paul Evans says that more are recognizing that the current government approach is not working.
China’s 100-Year-Old Communist Party Has More Members than Most Countries Have People
The Chinese Communist Party celebrates its centenary this month. Professor Timothy Cheek (SPPGA; History) speaks on the party’s growth into one the biggest political parties in the world–with more than 95 million members–and what China’s leader is doing about it.
Nuclear Energy Will Not Be the Solution to Climate Change
Read SPPGA Director Allison Macfarlane’s op-ed on why nuclear energy cannot be a near- or medium-term solution to climate change, given the urgency needed to reduce carbon emissions, as well as economic and safety concerns.
Four New UBC SPPGA Faculty Projects Receive SSHRC Funding
SPPGA congratulates professors Philippe Le Billon, Rashid Sumaila, Sheryl Lightfoot, and Kristen Hopewell whose projects received SSHRC funding through Partnership Development and Insight Grants.
Stronger Together: A New Pandemic Agenda for South Asia
Read the latest publication Professor Veena Sriram (SPPGA; SPPH) co-authored on a pragmatic ‘Stronger Together’ agenda that discusses critical areas of concern for Covid-19 response at multiple levels of leadership in South Asia.
SPPGA Releases 2020-2021 Annual Report
The UBC School of Public Policy and Global Affairs has published its 2020-2021 annual report which features our faculty’s research projects, policy engagement, and notable achievements, student and alumni profiles, and our various convening and learning activities.
Ethical Considerations for Research on Small-Scale Fisheries and Blue Crimes
Crimes at sea—blue crimes—can have devastating impacts on small-scale fishing communities. Professor Philippe Le Billon (SPPGA; Geography) discusses the risks and ethical challenges faced by a blue crimes research agenda to improve rather than worsen the plight of small-scale fishers.
SPPGA Congratulates Prof. Yves Tiberghien as Konwakai Chair in Japanese Research, Institute of Asian Research
Political Science Professor Yves Tiberghien (SPPGA Faculty Associate) has been appointed as Konwakai Chair in Japanese Research at the Institute of Asian Research. Professor Tiberghien will be supporting research in global lessons from Japan’s governance.
SPPGA Thanks Outgoing Director and Congratulates New Institute of Asian Research Director
We acknowledge the outstanding contributions of Professor Timothy Cheek (SPPGA; History) as he completes his 3-year term as Director of the Institute of Asian Research (IAR) and welcome Professor Kai Ostwald (SPPGA; Political Science) as our new IAR Director.
Announcement of Retirement: Professor Brian Job
We wish to thank Political Science Professor Brian Job (SPPGA Faculty Associate) for his many contributions that have shaped the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs and the wider UBC community over the years. We wish him well in his retirement.
Nuclear Energy and the Climate Change Response
Catastrophic accidents, production of radioactive waste with no proper depository and politicization of nuclear technology is why Professor Ramana is skeptical about the viability of small modular reactors (SMRs) (32:34 mark).
‘Black Swan’ Heat Wave Brings Record-Breaking Power Demand
The consequences of extreme weather events on energy grids are long-term, warns Professor Milind Kandlikar (SPPGA; Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability). Utility providers will have to consider how to cope with high-energy usage in future extreme weather, he adds (paywall).
UBC Medicine Launches Response to TRC Call to Action, Apologizes for Harm Caused to Indigenous People
Professor Sheryl Lightfoot (SPPGA; Political Science) gave a sobering statement about the closeness of these residential schools and other colonial systems to modern times during a formal apology by UBC Medicine for the harm caused to Indigenous populations.
Anti-China Sentiment Is Becoming Anti-Chinese Prejudice in Canada
“Criticism crosses a threshold when it sensationalizes Chinese actions and stigmatizes individuals or groups with connections to China.” Read the op-ed Professor Paul Evans co-authored on navigating tensions between Canada and China.
Whose Democracy Counts When Global Social Media Rules Are Set?
Read the latest op-ed Professor Heidi Tworek (SPPGA; History) wrote on how governments, platforms, and civil society respond to how social media affects democracy in multiple countries.
Setting the Stage for Wars During a Global Pandemic
In these unprecedented times, military spending, armed conflicts, and modernizing of nuclear arsenals continue as usual. The handful of nations holding these weapons “buck the international desire for nuclear disarmament”, Professor Ramana says.
Reconciliation Requires More than Shock and Outrage — It Takes Action
After the discovery of 215 Indigenous children on the site of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School, Adjunct Professor Andrea Reimer writes a letter to those in elected office to say reconciliation requires more than words – it takes action.
Roundtable: The Latin American State, Pink Tide, and Future Challenges
Read the transcribed roundtable discussion Professor Max Cameron (SPPGA; Political Science) collaborated on, which centered on six themes and a broad range of topics pertaining to development, politics, and economics in Latin America.
Salad Will Survive Climate Change. But at What Cost?
Professor Navin Ramankutty (SPPGA; IRES) believes that finding a balance between nutritional value and widespread access is critical to solving food insecurity. Even if fewer people globally go hungry, nutrition deficiencies remain high, he adds.
Canada Must Recognize Our Right to a Healthy Environment
In an op-ed for the National Observer, Professor David Boyd (SPPGA; IRES) and others discuss Bill C-28, the first federal recognition that all people in Canada have the right to a healthy environment, as well as the bill’s limitations.
China Repackages Its History in Support of Xi’s National Vision
Professor Timothy Cheek (SPPGA; History; IAR Director) gave comments on how the recent CCP campaign to repackage its history serves as a guide to how leaders, cadres, and ordinary citizens should act and talk in public (subscription).
World’s Nuclear Arms on High Operational Alert — & Ready to Strike
SPPGA Professor Ramana gave comments on the recent report released by International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), specifically how political power is wielded by nuclear weapon-producing companies to turn profits during COVID-19.
China Nuclear Drama May Be Less Alarming than the Politics Behind It
Nuclear expert Professor Ramana gave comments regarding the Taishan Unit 1 reactor’s recent gas leak. The EDF’s decision to consult the U.S. government suggests concern with accessing critical information about the gas leak, he says (paywall).
Digital Technologies: Building Global Trust
Professor Heidi Tworek (SPPGA; History) was a featured as an expert panelist at the Digital Technologies: Building Global Trust as part lf the Thnk20 (T20) Spring Roundtables co-hosted by CIGI.
Developer Pulls Plug on Keystone XL Pipeline
SPPGA Professor George Hoberg discusses with Global News Morning BC what the cancellation of the contentious crude oil pipeline project means for hopes of a net-zero future.
Khurelsukh Cruises to Victory in Mongolian Presidential Race
In a co-authored piece for The Diplomat, SPPGA Professor Julian Dierkes and others reflect on the tumultuous events that have led to Khurelsukh’s presidential victory.
Can Joe Biden Kick-Start Stalled Progress on Ocean Conservation?
With the WTO and Biden administration prioritizing environmental concerns, Professor Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries) is optimistic that an agreement to ban harmful fisheries can be reached in the near future.
When the Hegemon Goes Rogue: Leadership amid the U.S. Assault on the Liberal Trading Order
In her latest publication, SPPGA Professor Kristen Hopewell argues that the EU has taken the lead in defending the established order of the WTO, despite the focus on U.S. and China’s rising trade tensions under the Trump administration.
Study Identifies Major Barriers to Financing a Sustainable Ocean Economy
The latest report Professor Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries) co-authored found four major barriers to a sustainable global ocean economy. The report recommends public-private partnership models to help close the gap in conservation financing.
It’s Time for Canada to Reconcile Indigenous Ocean Issues
In a co-authored op-ed for The Globe and Mail, Professor Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries) and others empathize how aligning ocean management partnership and Indigenous worldviews plays a crucial part in Canada achieving its UNDRIP responsibility.
Pipeline Workers Are Scaring Indigenous Elders Away from Their Own Lands
Indigenous people are experiencing a rise in harassment and intimidation cases amid pipeline battles, but Professor Sheryl Lightfoot (SPPGA; Political Science; FNIS) notes that tensions caused by lack of consultation between residents and governments is nothing new.
Covid-19 Variant of Concern B.1.1.7 Has a New Name: Alpha. Will It Stick?
Professor Heidi Tworek (SPPGA; History) applauds the WHO’s decision to rename the emerging variants of COVID-19 using the Greek alphabet, but still wonders if place-based naming will continue to be used with variants of concern.
Mongolia’s Economic Prospects: Resource-Rich and Landlocked between Two Giants
Read the latest book chapter Professor Julian Dierkes authored for “Mongolia’s Economic Prospects: Resource-Rich and Landlocked between Two Giants.”
Canada’s Nuclear Ambitions — Linchpin of a Carbon-Free Future or a Path to ‘Greenwash’ Tar Sands?
Alberta’s push to build small modular reactors (SMRs) is a ‘greenwashing’ solution for the tar sands, says SPPGA Professor Ramana. He cites rising costs, long approval periods and unknown risks as reasons why SMRs are not viable solutions to reduce emissions.
B.C. Couple Books 3rd Wedding Date, in Spite of New Covid-19 Restart Plan
In response to B.C. easing restrictions, Professor Heidi Tworek (SPPGA; History) suggests that mental health resources should also be included. This can help people who struggle with social interaction after a year of quarantine, she adds.
U.S. Experts to Trudeau: Your Nuclear Dream May Turn Nightmare
Canada’s investment in new nuclear technology has experts SPPGA Professor Ramana and SPPGA Director Allison Macfarlane concerned. Both professors cite unknown costs, lack of transparency, and toxic waste as key reasons for their reservations.
Stories, Statistics, and Authenticity in Health Communications
In a piece for the Social Science Research Council, Professor Heidi Tworek (SPPGA; History) explains the fixation on statistics during Covid-19. While used as a main tool of health communication, statistics can also obscure the inequitable effects on racialized populations.
Alberta Calls for National Security Rules for Academics to Prevent Intellectual Property Transfer to China
SPPGA Professor Paul Evans gave comments on the Albertan government’s decision to suspend its four major universities from pursuing partnerships with people or organizations linked to Beijing or the Chinese Communist Party (paywall).