What is happy climate action? A B.C. academic’s plan to protect the planet and spread joy
Dr. Jiaying Zhao discussed why we should reframe the way we talk about climate change and the “happy climate approach.”
Global food production may decline by 9% owing to climate change, says expert
A study conducted by IRES Director Dr. Navin Ramankutty found that staple crops like rice and wheat are under threat from climate change.
Is talking about climate change actually making it worse?
In Episode 6 of Planet Wonder, Dr. Jiaying Zhao discussed how the language we use about climate change affects our motivation to do something about it.
IRES students Jaden Phillips and Lea Anderson wrote an op-ed for the National Observer
“Inspired by high school climate strikes and building on the success of the university divestment movement, a new era of student organizers is turning its attention to Canada’s banks,” write the authors.
Debt, financial fears impacting Canadians’ mental health, survey finds
Dr. Jiaying Zhao of IRES and nursing professor Dr. Emily Jenkins explained the connections between poverty or financial stress and depression and anxiety.
What does Canada’s journey to net zero look like?
Dr. Simon Donner discussed Canada’s journey to net zero.
Citizen-run conservation booms in South America, despite state neglect
PhD student Rocío López de la Lama discussed her study which concluded that the legal frameworks and support mechanisms for private land conservation in South America are insufficient, making it difficult for independent actors to protect and maintain conservation areas.
Messaging, visual cues can reduce the use of plastic produce bags, says study from UBC prof
Dr. Jiaying Zhao found that visual cues or motivational messages in grocery stores can reduce the use of plastic produce bags.
Yes, happiness and climate action can go together
Dr. Jiaying Zhao explained how we can use our understanding of behaviour to incorporate happiness into meaningful climate action.
Can the heat from running computers help grow our food? It’s complicated
PhD candidate Sarah-Louise Ruder co-wrote about the benefits and drawbacks of capturing the heat emitted by computing hardware and reusing it to grow crops indoors.