News Compilation: August 2024



Publications

August 26, 2024
Coral bleaching is not only heartbreaking, it’s also bad economics
Prof. Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries) co-authors an article advocating for greater protection of the Great Barrier Reef, as activities such as coral bleaching are enabling the Reef’s impending destruction. Via The Conversation

August 19, 2024
Nuclear power on the prairies is a green smokescreen
SPPGA Professor M.V. Ramana & MPPGA alum Quinn Goranson express how anticipated usage of small nuclear reactors in the Prairies prevents our achievement of long-term climate goals. Via Canada’s National Observer

August 14, 2024
The Limits of Anti-Nuclear Critique in Pakistan
Professor M.V. Ramana co-authors an article explaining how dominant narratives opposing nuclear disarmament in Pakistan threaten the normalization of nuclear weapons. Via Taylor & Francis Online

August 6, 2024
Crisis políticas en los países andinos
Professor Maxwell Cameron (SPPGA; UBC Political Science) assesses the Andean region’s vulnerability to democratic crises, suggesting opportunities to mitigate these challenges. Via International IDEA

August 2, 2024
Eastern Europe’s purchase of US nuclear reactors is primarily about military ties, not climate change
SPPGA Prof. M.V. Ramana and MPPGA student Maha Siddiqui assess the promotion of nuclear energy by Eastern European nations, which can increase the likelihood of geopolitical conflict as well as deter climate justice progress. Via Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists

Media

August 27, 2024
UK’s fight against far-right hate goes online, but does it go too far?
Prof. Heidi Tworek (SPPGA; CSDI) sheds light on the nuance of harmful online discourse and the resulting legislation, stating that addressing misinformation demands going “beyond just regulation”. Via The Christian Science Monitor

August 17, 2024
Tech bros and diplomacy
Professor Heidi Tworek (SPPGA; CSDI) comments on the reformation of political discourse by modern tech companies. Via Monocle Radio

August 15, 2024
Nuclear is Not the Solution: M.V. Ramana
SPPGA Professor M.V. Ramana features on CounterPunch Radio to discuss the reasons that nuclear power harms our global climate crisis rather than mediating it. Via CounterPunch Radio

August 15, 2024
The European boats fishing under a veil of secrecy

Professor Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; IOF) weighs in on the usage of foreign vessels to fish in African waters, noting its consequences. Via Financial Times

August 13, 2024
Salmon Farms in Patagonia Face Growing Opposition
Professor David Boyd (SPPGA; IRES) reports on the severe environmental damage caused by salmon farming in Patagonia. He calls for termination of the practice despite industry backlash. Via The New York Times

August 7, 2024
Canada takes cautious approach to Venezuelan vote as U.S. backs Maduro’s opponent
Professor Maxwell Cameron (SPPGA; UBC Political Science) comments on Canada’s caution amidst Venezuela’s recent election. Via The Hill Times

August 6, 2024
Is Singapore’s housing model a realistic solution for Canada’s affordability woes?
Prof. Kai Ostwald (SPPGA; UBC Political Science) comments on whether Canada can improve its housing affordability by replicating Singapore’s model, stating that only “some elements” can be adapted effectively. Via CTV News

August 1, 2024
Is nuclear energy the solution to the climate crisis?
Listen as SPPGA Professor M.V. Ramana shares his expertise on why nuclear energy should be avoided if we plan to achieve our climate justice goals, via CKNW’s The Jas Johal Show

August 1, 2024
79 Years After Hiroshima & Nagasaki: A Grim Reminder of Nuclear Annihilation
“Organizing for nuclear disarmament is not futile,” says SPPGA Professor M.V. Ramana in response to an increasing number of nuclear powers worldwide. He notes the value of anti-nuclear movements in prospective conflicts. Via Inter Press Service