News Compilation: December 2023



Media

December 29, 2023
Nuclear waste and the final repository
Nuclear power’s resurgence sparks debates on waste management. SPPGA Director Allison Macfarlane explores the intricacies of eternal burial in Sverige Radio.

December 27, 2023
Canada must show leadership in backing Taiwan’s Pacific trade bid
Prof. Kristen Hopewell‘s (SPPGA) op-ed in the Globe and Mail explores Canada’s considerations in supporting Taiwan’s CPTPP bid. A nuanced take on global trade dynamics and diplomatic assertiveness.

December 26, 2023
Dan Fumano: Political rivals blast ABC’s handling of Vancouver park board decision. Will voters care?
SPPGA Prof. Andrea Reimer sheds light on the implications of Mayor Ken Sim’s proposal to dissolve Vancouver’s elected park board. Join the conversation on governance, transparency and public trust. via Vancouver Sun

December 22, 2023
Future-Proofing Your Town Sounds Great, Until You Try It
Prof. Sara Shneiderman (SPPGA, Department of Anthropology) delves into the complexities of disaster recovery in Lytton, exploring the challenges faced by communities in rebuilding after the devastating wildfires. via The Atlantic

December 21, 2023
Nuclear had a moment at COP28 — but it may be short-lived
SPPGA Director Allison Macfarlane weighs in on the global push for nuclear energy and the hurdles it must overcome. Join the conversation on the future of clean energy in this Grist piece.

December 18, 2023
This right-wing merger was a tragedy
Explore the nuanced history of Canadian conservatism in SPPGA Prof. Michael Huenefeld‘s op-ed for the National Observer. A captivating read on how political landscapes shift.

December 16, 2023
The Suicidal Fallout of a Nuclear Attack in the Middle East
Delve into the world of nuclear geopolitics with SPPGA Prof. M.V. Ramana. His recent analysis sheds light on the complex landscape of Middle Eastern security. via In Depth News 

December 11, 2023
News Compilation: Global Launch of the World Nuclear Industry Status Report 2023
SPPGA Professor M. V. Ramana contributes to the World Nuclear Industry Status Report 2023, offering a nuanced perspective on the aftermath of Fukushima, challenges faced by the industry, and the evolving global landscape of nuclear power.

December 7, 2023
WILL SMALL MODULAR REACTORS SAVE NUCLEAR POWER? WITH PROF. ALLISON MACFARLANE, FORMER CHAIR OF THE U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
Join SPPGA Director Allison Macfarlane in a deep dive into the future of nuclear power. Catch the conversation on KSQD 90.7 FM.

December 7, 2023
Vancouver mayor announces plan to remove city’s independent park board
Proposed changes to Vancouver’s park board are sparking a conversation. SPPGA Prof. Andrea Reimer shares her perspective on Mayor Ken Sim’s motion and the potential impact on our city’s green spaces in this CBC Listen piece.

December 7, 2023
New CPTPP chair Canada should seek to engage Taiwan: ex-officials
Canada prepares to chair CPTPP. Prof. Kristen Hopewell suggests innovative ways for Taiwan inclusion. Read more via Nikkei Asia.

December 6, 2023
Émission du mercredi
Listen to Prof. Michael Huenefeld in the latest Phare Ouest podcast, reflecting on the 20th anniversary of the PC-Alliance merger and its impact on the birth of the new Conservative Party of Canada. Via Radio Canada

December 5, 2023
How Un Organizations Shape the Rules of World Trade for Food Security With Dr. Matias Margulis
Explore the fascinating intersection of international trade rules and global food security with Prof. Matias E. Margulis (SPPGA, Faculty of Land and Food Systems). His recent discussion on Anthro Dish provides valuable insights into the complexities of UN organizations shaping world trade rules for food security.

December 4-5, 2023
INDO-PACIFIC STRATEGY FORUM 2023
SPPGA Profs. Paul Evans, Kristen Hopewell, Kai Oswald and Vina Nadjibulla played a pivotal role in IPSF 2023, evaluating Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy. Their insights into defence, trade and regional engagement are shaping critical conversations. via Peace Diplomacy

December 2, 2023
COP28: A Canadian lawyer’s backchannel strategy to force polluters to act
Prof. Philippe Le Billon (SPPGA, Department of Geography), shedding light on Canada’s climate actions at #COP28, coins it a “Faustian bargain.” Juggling fossil fuels and clean energy pledges raises questions. Le Billon urges a more profound commitment for tangible change. via Global News