Prof. Kathryn Harrison comments on the “rise in illegal deeds as a form of activism”
“I think my concern with this form of civil disobedience,” says Prof. Harrison, “is that the connection to the actions that they are trying to get from governments from their fellow citizens is not clear enough.” She acknowledges the activists’ goals, but notes that their actions may actually have an opposite effect.
Prof. Kathryn Harrison co-authors article on the future of Canada’s energy sector
Prof. Kathryn Harrison collaborated with Prof. Simon Donner on a piece that highlighted the challenges ahead for Canada’s energy sector. “The differences in energy demand across scenarios are significant, both for the planet, and for Canadian oil and gas producers,” they write.
Alumnus Nojang Khatami highlights the role of the arts in the struggle against Iranian authoritarianism
“Their actions—through song and dance, artistic interventions and performances—illustrate the multiplicity of forms through which democratic agency can be enacted and mobilized,” writes UBC Political Science alumnus Nojang Khatami. “Their hard-fought and ongoing efforts demand that we… appreciate their struggle.
Prof. Yves Tiberghien on Canada’s changing attitudes to Chinese investments, and what that means for Canadian mining companies
“Canada has been a liberal believer in markets,” said Prof. Yves Tiberghien on the importance of critical minerals, “but those markets are not markets anymore… they are increasingly strategic spaces.”
Op-Ed: renewable energy rapidly grows in the Indo-Pacific, write Prof. Yves Tiberghien and PhD Candidate Sun Park
In this op-ed, Prof. Yves Tiberghien and PhD Candidate Sun Park discuss the development and implementation of renewable energy in the Indo-Pacific.
Prof. Kathryn Harrison on the boldness, riskiness, and power of activism in climate politics
“Civil disobedience is an act of public communication,” Prof. Harrison says in this CBC article. “It’s someone saying, ‘I am so frightened or I am so disturbed by an injustice that I am willing to put myself on the line to try to change your mind,’”
Prof. Gerald Baier comments on David Stuart serving as both North Vancouver District CAO and Port Moody councillor
David Stuart, already holding office as North Vancouver District Chief Administrative Officer, was recently elected as councillor for Port Moody. Few take on two civil service roles at once, but Prof. Baier acknowledges that Stuart is “allowed to have outside interests.”
Prof. Kathryn Harrison discusses Canadian climate politics under the Trudeau government
The current Trudeau government has been slow to act on environmental policy, despite the Prime Minister touting Canada as a leader in the fight against climate change. While this may be true, both Trudeau and Prof. Kathryn Harrison acknowledge that “[Canada’s] track record is not good.”
“Things hit this “crisis point” through a combination of factors,” says Prof. Max Cameron on the BC NDP’s disqualification of Anjali Appadurai
The recent disqualification of Anjali Appadurai from running for BC NDP leader has caused political commotion. In this interview, Prof. Max Cameron highlights that the party’s recent problems with engagement and membership don’t make the current situation any easier for the BC NDP.
Prof. Michael Byers calls for Elon Musk to step away from politics: “Is Mr. Musk oblivious?”
Elon Musk has made his controversial foreign politics opinions very clear, standing by them despite evidence and widespread criticism. Prof. Byers writes that the US government must step up to prevent further meddling from Musk in places like Ukraine and China.