Media Engagement

“Social media are crucial for contemporary election campaigns, and the Covid-19 pandemic has only accelerated that trend. While online interactions during campaigns can be positive and productive, candidates also face insults, threats, hate speech, and other forms of incivility,” declares a new report from Heidi Tworek and Chris Tenove.

On October 27, David Boyd presented a report to the United Nations General Assembly. He looks at the link between human rights and a healthy environment, and how the right to a healthy environment can hold governments and businesses accountable.

In the run up to the US presidential election on November 3, digital platforms are releasing or updating policies related to disinformation, election advertising and content moderation. Professor Heidi Tworek (SPPGA & UBC Department of History) argues these changes come far too late. More at the Centre for International Governance Innovation.

SPPGA Professor Ramana, the Simons Chair in Disarmament, Global and Human Security, disputes what small modular nuclear reactor advocates claim to be a prospective business opportunity in New Brunswick. Read more at NB Media Co-op.

Fearful of a fate similar to the Fukushima nuclear disasters, SPPGA Professor Ramana discusses the dangers of siting nuclear reactors along India and Pakistan’s coastline, areas prone to natural disasters. Read more at Futurism.

The detention of Chinese-born Australian journalist Cheng Lei has highlighted the risk to foreign nationals from so-called “hostage diplomacy”. SPPGA Professor Paul Evans asserts that detention is a cruel and counterproductive tactic in the South China Morning Post.

A study conducted by a team of marine researchers found that temporarily stopping Canadian fishing activity would lead to gains of up to 10 times above the status quo after 30 years. Co-author Professor Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA & Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries) has more at The Narwhal.

Erin O’Toole’s successful campaign as leader of Canada’s Conservative Party could precede an even tougher approach to Beijing. SPPGA Professor Paul Evans weighs in at South China Morning Post.

Fish populations in Canada need to be urgently rebuilt, but short-term socio-economic concerns often slow down or even prevent the process of rebuilding stocks, declares a new study. UBC news interviews authors, including Professor Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA & Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries), on findings.

SPPGA Professor Ramana asserts that a tech company has oversold the claim that its small modular reactors are “walk-away safe”. More at Science Magazine.

Despite BC government messaging to practice social distancing, infections continue to surge especially amongst people in their 20s and 30s. Professor Heidi Tworek (SPPGA & UBC Department of History) discusses with Sarah Penton about why young people aren’t getting the message. Segment begins at 41:33.

The appearance of Silicon Valley giants at US Congress last week made one thing plain: these huge companies represent an alarming concentration of economic and political power. Professor Heidi Tworek (SPPGA & UBC Department of History) suggests that the world’s largest tech firms are failing to play their part in keeping us safe.

Can deterrence truly succeed in preventing nuclear weapons from deployment during this atomic age? In this The Hindu article he has co-written, SPPGA Professor Ramana explores the issues around the notion of deterrence, the illusions of control for nuclear weapon states, and nuclear vulnerabilities.

Professor Timothy Cheek (SPPGA; UBC Department of History; IAR) was quoted about Reading the China Dream, a website that gives voice to a stream of Chinese political thought that is probably more influential than liberals thought.

The novel coronavirus pandemic is having a profound impact on marine wildlife — and it’s both good and bad. Researchers including Professor Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA & UBC Institute for the Oceans) is part of the discussion on marine traffic reduction, plastic pollution rise, and more.

Last Friday, Mongolia held its 8th regular parliamentary election. Bulgan Batdorj (SPPGA staff; incoming UBC Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability PhD student) provides a breakdown of the Mongolian People’s Party’s landslide victory and what it could mean for the country’s future.

“When scientists are in agreement, decision-makers should take note.” Researchers including Professor Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA & UBC Institute for the Oceans) warns that the upcoming World Trade Organization negotiations on fisheries subsidies could endanger the long-term sustainability of our marine environment.

COVID-19 social distancing protocols have necessitated online alternatives to in-person activities that require air travel. In this Grist article, SPPGA Professor Navin Ramankutty comments on the shift in air travel trends and its correlation with climate change and sustainability.

The World Health Organization’s lack of clarity on whether people should wear face masks to stop the spread of COVID-19 is just one of its messages that has caused public confusion. Associate Professor Heidi Tworek (SPPGA & UBC Department of History) comments on how unclear messaging can be harmful.

Turkey’s resale of Russian-made S-400 missile defense systems to the United States is unlikely as it may damage relations between Ankara and Moscow, say experts, including SPPGA Professor Ramana. Learn more at Sputnik International.

A new study found that drug trafficking on fishing vessels accounts for about 15% of the global retail value of illicit drugs. Professor Philippe Le Billon (SPPGA & UBC Geography) says that the global pandemic may exacerbate the problem. More from Mongabay.

We must reduce the burning of fossil fuels to save our planet — but should nuclear energy be part of the solution? SPPGA Professor Ramana and MPPGA Alumni Schyler Edmundson take part in The Toronto Star’s The Big Debate.

The US Department of State announced on June 3 about the launch of its Mongolia project aimed to elevate the role of women and youth in civil society and the political process. East-West Center in Washington cites a study from our MPPGA Mongolia research team at UBC.

The world’s stockpile of nuclear weapons—estimated at over 13,400 at the beginning of 2020 – have a least one thing in common with humans: they are “retired” when they reach old age. But what happens to these “retired” weapons? SPPGA Professor Ramana speaks on retiring nuclear arsenals to the Inter Press Service News Agency.

Chatham House speaks to SPPGA Associate Professor Erin Baines and UBC alumna Camile Oliveira on the social status of children born as the result of ‘forced marriage’ during the Ugandan civil war of the 1990s and early 2000s, and attempts by some of the fathers to assume responsibility for their care and well-being.

Find a compilation of SPPGA Visiting Professor Wenran Jiang’ media appearances from various news outlets speaking on the Huawei Extradition Ruling. Media appearances range from May 27 onwards.

Multiple news outlets featured Professor Yves Tiberghien (UBC Political Science; SPPGA Faculty Associate) about how the court decision on Meng Wanzhou’s extradition will affect Canada’s relationship with China and the U.S.

Our seas are under pressure. Overfishing, acidity, pollution are decimating fish stocks. We all feel it is bad – but how bad is it really? Join Professor Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA & UBC Institute for the Oceans) as he sits down with Highgrade Media Production’s podcast to discuss the big question of fishing sustainability.

Should we still rely on outdated and potentially catastrophic technology for energy? This is the question of the hour as work for two U.S. nuclear power projects are underway. SPPGA Professor Ramana speaks in IEEE Spectrum.