News Compilation: January 2024



Publications

January 31, 2024
Diaspora, war, Gaza
Prof. Hugh Gusterson‘s (SPPGA, Department of Anthropology) compelling analysis in Wiley examines the intricate relationship between diasporic communities and global conflicts and how these communities influence public opinion and reshape the nature of conflicts.

January 18, 2024
Ontario Power Generation wasting time exploring French reactors
Co-author and SPPGA Prof. M.V. Ramana sheds light on Ontario Power Generation’s nuclear pursuit: Renewable technologies offer a clear alternative – faster, cheaper, and crucial for climate goals. via National Observer

January 16, 2024
2023’s top ocean news stories (commentary)
Co-author and Prof. Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries) shares insights in Mongabay on the hottest year on record in 2023 and the need for equity and sustainability in ocean governance.

January 9, 2024
Failure to communicate clearly to the public is hurting climate-change action
MPPGA student Timothy Linsell explores the key to effective climate communication in Policy Options. Learn why connecting policies to personal values is crucial for meaningful policy change.

Media

January 30, 2024
COP28 pledge to expand nuclear capacity is out of touch with reality
SPPGA Prof. M.V. Ramana explains the complexities of tripling nuclear energy by 2050 and highlights some key sustainable alternatives in this PV Magazine op-ed.

January 24, 2024
Climate change could critically harm $253 billion US fishing industry, experts tell senators
Prof. Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries) highlights the threat of climate change to the fishing industry. Let’s unite to protect our oceans and livelihoods! Read more in The Hill.

January 22, 2024
Nuclear waste safety top of mind for politicians after Ontario disposal site approval
SPPGA Prof. M.V. Ramana critically examines Canada’s nuclear waste decisions in National Observer. From concerns about privatization to calls for legislative updates, explore the complexities of Chalk River’s waste facility.

January 22, 2024
Malaria vaccines roll out in Africa to help protect the youth
Prof. Veena Sriram (SPPGA, School of Population and Public Health) highlights the incredible milestone in malaria prevention, especially for kids 5 and under: The R21 vaccine is an important step forward in protecting millions from this disease. via CBC

January 19, 2024
Be aware of potential B.C. election interference, don’t exaggerate risk: expert
Prof. Chris Tenove (SPPGA, Department of Political Science) warns about AI-driven misinformation in upcoming elections. Let’s face challenges with open dialogue and stay vigilant for a resilient democracy! via The Northern View

January 18, 2024
Wild boar hybrids are raising hell on the Canadian prairies
SPPGA Prof. Peg Fong‘s article in The Economist explains how Canada’s “superpigs” are becoming a concern for U.S. farmers too, posing a threat to crops and the pork industry.

January 18, 2024
How to design policies that support both aquaculture and small-scale fisheries
Prof. Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries), co-author of a recent paper on aquaculture and small-scale fisheries, underscores the importance of collaboration. Discover the positive outcomes and tradeoffs, and learn about policy strategies for a sustainable marine future! via Stanford

January 18, 2024
Nuclear energy is on the outlook for Alberta’s future: Is it a real possibility?
SPPGA Director Allison Macfarlane discusses the exciting potential of Small Modular Reactors in Alberta’s energy mix in Daily Hive. A transformative step towards a sustainable and reliable grid.

January 13, 2024
Tories urged to end ‘idiotic’ £1.8bn tax break for UK fishing fleet
Urgent call to action! Prof. Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries) reveals how tax breaks for the U.K. fishing fleet, worth £1.8bn could devastate our oceans. via Guardian

January 12, 2024
Addressing gender-based violence through social protection: a scoping review
SPPGA Prof. Tara Cookson‘s recent research examines the role of social protection systems in addressing gender-based violence. A must-read for policymakers and practitioners. via Taylor & Francis

January 11, 2024
Ecuador declares ‘war’ on gangs amid rising violence. How did it get here?
Prof. Maxwell Cameron (SPPGA, Department of Political Science) delves into the dramatic shifts in South American politics in Global News. What challenges lie ahead and how should the government respond?

January 11, 2024
‘We have a broken nuclear governance system’: Regulator comes under fire for approving waste facility at Chalk River
The approval of a nuclear waste facility near Ottawa near Ottawa raises concerns. SPPGA Prof. M.V. Ramana and Director Allison Macfarlane shed light on the challenges of regulatory independence. via iPolitics

January 8, 2024
O’Donnell and Ramana: ‘PR Fairy Dust’ Has Canada Tripling Nuclear Capacity by 2050
SPPGA Prof. M.V. Ramana shares insights on Canada’s nuclear ambitions in The Energy Mix. Is tripling nuclear capacity realistic? Engage in the conversation about our energy future.

January 5, 2024
The Nuclear Energy Dilemma: Climate Savior Or Existential Threat? – Analysis
Explore the nuclear energy debate with SPPGA Prof. M.V. Ramana. Eurasia Review delves into the complexities. Is it too dangerous or a key to a low-carbon future?

January 3, 2024
Why Canadian Politics Is Still Unsafe For Female Politicians
Join the conversation on the increasing toxicity for female politicians online. Prof. Heidi Tworek‘s (SPPGA, Department of History) insights in Chatelaine highlight the urgent need for change.

January 2, 2024
Norway’s deep-sea mining turn dismays experts
Prof. Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries) unveils Norway’s surprising shift from ocean champion to pursuing seabed mining. A crucial read on balancing sustainability. via China Dialogue Ocean

January 1, 2024
As home costs soar in Canada’s cities, George Brown College is among a growing number of schools looking to put shovels in the ground for staff housing
Engage in the discourse on faculty housing with SPPGA Founding Director and Prof. Moura Quayle‘s featured article in the Toronto Star. How can universities support their staff in overcoming housing challenges?

January, 2024
Salt and the Earth? 
SPPGA Prof. M.V. Ramana weighs in on the challenges and use of molten salt reactors in power generation. via EHM