Faculty

Professor David Boyd (SPPGA; IRES; UN Special Rapporteur on human rights and the environment) brings an inspiring message for this year’s Biodiversity Day.

At a time when vaccine supply is uncertain, Mongolia now has enough for its entire adult population thanks to deals with Russia and China. China’s shipment of 4 million Covid-19 vaccines could be part of a longer game, says SPPGA Professor Julian Dierkes (subscription).

Jakartans are joining a citizen lawsuit against the government to force officials to address the city’s grave air pollution. Professor David Boyd (SPPGA; IRES; UN Special Rapporteur on human rights and the environment) submits a brief in support, pointing out that air pollution is responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths in Indonesia each year (Subscription).

Professor David Boyd (SPPGA; IRES; UN Special Rapporteur on human rights and the environment) comments on plastics manufacturers taking the federal government to court after Ottawa designated their products as toxic (Subscription).

Following news that former prime minister Jean Chrétien was part of a secret project to set up a radioactive nuclear waste repository, officials have declared that the proposal is dead. But Professor Ramana and Kerrie Blaise say that the proposal raises ethical questions about moving nuclear waste or producing it in the first place (Subscription).

Following Health Canada’s announcement that Pfizer vaccines are safe for young people between 12- 15, CBC Radio interviews Professor Heidi Tworek (SPPGA; History) on vaccine hesitancy.

Professor Paul Evans says although Canadian security agencies have identified some concerns, research collaboration arrangements with China are widely valued and facilitate advanced research and training.

Professor Paul Evans appeared in a Special Committee on Canada-China Relations hosted this week by the House of Commons. He spoke on Canadian universities being a foundation of engagement between the two nations. Segment starts at 19:30.

As Canada’s vaccine supply is set to increase in coming weeks, some experts, including Professor Heidi Tworek (SPPGA; UBC Department of History), discuss the possibility of shorter intervals between shots.

After an incident involving pop-up vaccine clinics that left hundreds of people without vaccines, B.C. health authorities are facing backlash. Professor Heidi Tworek (SPPGA; UBC Department of History) comments on the province’s bungled communications strategy.

It’s been a week of high-profile appearances by senior BC politicians at the Cullen Commission that’s looking into money laundering in the province. We hear from Professor Gerald Baier (CSDI Acting Director; Political Science) on the proceedings.

Christy Clark will testify Tuesday at the official inquiry “investigating the causes and impact of B.C.’s money laundering problem over the past decade”. Professor Gerald Baier (CSDI Acting Director; Political Science) was featured in Yahoo News.

A treaty aiming to protect activists in Latin America could be a “life-saving game changer” according to Professor David Boyd (SPPGA; IRES; UN Special Rapporteur on human rights and the environment).

SPPGA Director Allison Macfarlane speaks on the feasibility of small modular nuclear reactors and waste management in wake of New Brunswick’s plan for deployment of SMRs (Article in French).

Three independent UN human rights experts, including Professor David Boyd (SPPGA; IRES) expressed deep regret over Japan’s decision to discharge potentially radioactive Fukushima nuclear plant water into the ocean, impacting millions across the Pacific.

“From a biological standpoint, the ventilation in open outdoor spaces is incredibly potent, and leads to rapid dispersion of respiratory particles associated with COVID transmission,” says Professor Heidi Tworek (SPPGA; History) in a co-written story about outdoor activity during the pandemic.

“Without further aid from Congress and the White House, the prospects for the U.S. nuclear industry will dwindle in the face of cheaper resources that are getting built faster than new nuclear generators,” says SPPGA Director Allison Macfarlane.

“One cannot have both: nuclear power and sustainable renewable energy.” Professor Ramana and co-authors makes a case against SMRs for New Brunswick.

Professor Kristen Hopewell’s research on global trade politics suggests that the dichotomy between American “free-market capitalism” and “state capitalism” is not so clear cut – and tied to a strategic narrative deployed for legitimizing US economic interest.

As Michael Spavor awaits his verdict, SPPGA Prof Paul Evans comments on the possibility of being put into the broader Chinese prison system, which would simplify visitations.

As the 10th anniversary of the Fukushima accident approaches, SPPGA Director Allison Macfarlane discusses how to reconceive the risks of nuclear power plants in the process of transitioning away from the carbon economy.

Professor David Boyd (SPPGA; IRES) recently presented a UN report on the global water crisis, particularly on its disproportionate effects and state/business obligations to ensure safe and sufficient water for all.

Professor Sheryl Lightfoot (SPPGA, Political Science) analyzes Canada’s adoption of the UN Declaration of Indigenous Rights, and argues that reconciliation efforts should not be left in the hands of the courts.

What can research collaboration mean in settings of incommensurable inequality? Lead author Omer Aijazi, (former Liu Scholar), Professor Sara Shneiderman (SPPGA & UBC Anthropology) and other researchers explore the question of power dynamics and inequities.

In a briefing on the two proposed nuclear reactors for New Brunswick, SPPGA Prof Ramana and other experts discuss the cost-analysis of SMRs.