Actions for change

What can you do to make life better for yourself, your community and beyond? Learn how to harness the latest advances in health, science and technology, business and more.

Fireman rescue an old couple from their flooded house with a boat. On Cousineau St., in the Ahuntsic-Cartierville borough, Montreal, the river rose and flooded the street and a dozen of houses.

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Urban flooding calls for new stormwater infrastructure in Canadian cities

Published: September 19, 2024

Latest stories in Actions for change

Mom in the kitchen with child, packing lunch while she is on the phone

‘So much mental load’: Mothers speak about school lunches

How the mundane task of packing lunches daily is complex and tied to mothers’ identities as “good” moms

Sunset and fog at Buttle Lake in Strathcona Park on Vancouver Island.

People, climate to intensify pressure on popular BC provincial parks

Planning is needed to balance overcrowding, wildlife protection, say UBC Okanagan researchers

Penticton, BC/Canada - August 29, 2021: Pedestrians watch from Lakeshore Drive as a forest fire flares up in the hills above the city.

How to protect your lungs from wildfire smoke

How to know when air quality is poor and how to protect yourself from the health effects of smoke

How to protect your hearing at summer concerts

How to tell if a concert is too loud and whether you should wear earplugs

Young female runner warming up before running at morning forest trail

Is it safe to exercise in extreme heat and smoky skies?

How to assess conditions and adapt your exercise routine to wildfire smoke and heat

Cheerful young woman on the beach applies sunscreen on her shoulder

How to choose the right sunscreen this summer

Learn common sunscreen myths and how to choose the right sunscreen year-round

Keep outdoor play spaces cool: the best trees, shrubs and plants for shade

How to build sun-safe and creative outdoor play environments

5 tips for staying cool at home without air conditioning

How to cool down with fans and more when you don’t have AC in your home

On the ground lies a watering can, a hoe and gloves.

Top tips for gardening in a drought

Why planning ahead is key for climate-friendly gardening

Helicopter fighting British Columbia forest fires during a hot sunny summer day.

The wildfire season has started—here’s what we need to know in 2024

What individuals, businesses and communities can do to reduce their wildfire risk

Muslim family having dried dates as a snack.

How to stay healthy during Ramadan fasting

Tips for maintaining energy, meal prep and managing medications while fasting

Professors Heidi Janz (left) and Michelle Stack in Bremen, Germany in September 2023 where they held a workshop on ableism.

Dos and don’ts to help tackle ableism

Tips for those unsure of saying or doing the right thing to challenge ableism

A robot in a retirement home with a happy old woman.

How AI social robots could support people living with dementia and their care providers

Artificial intelligence could help personalize care at home and in long-term settings

A weekly pill organizer with several happy pills arranged around it.

New genetic testing could tell you which antidepressant works best for you

Pharmacogenomic testing could help find effective treatment for depression faster

A man is smiling and holding a spoon full of bugs.

Bug protein powder smoothies? Cricket flour muffins? Why it’s time to consider eating more insects

Insects could be the meat of the future and a sustainable alternative protein

How can you start eating healthier? This diet calculator quiz can help

Assess your eating habits and learn how to reduce your chance of developing a chronic disease

A photo of the Canadian women’s soccer team celebrating their victory against Ireland during their Group B match at FIFA Women’s World Cup in Perth, Australia, 2023.

The FIFA Women’s World Cup is closing its gap with the men’s tournament

Despite its relatively short history, the tournament has made significant strides

Pins and threads in the shape of a a human head.

The roots of the North American opioid crisis, and 3 key strategies for stopping it

Why we need to treat substance-use disorders as a public health crisis and stop an international spread

An image of homeless people in Chinatown, Vancouver

Extreme heat, extreme inequality: Addressing climate justice in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside

Researchers must work with the most vulnerable populations to build a more resilient city

A photo of a student writing mathematical formulas on a blackboard.

How to conquer math anxiety and succeed this semester

Tips for students and parents on how to cope with anxiety around math

A photo of steam rising from smokestacks in a rural sunset sky.

Tips for how to cope with climate anxiety

These steps can help you move from eco-anxiety to positive action

An image of a man looking at the sky through sunglasses.

Protect your eyes from harmful UV rays this summer

Learn which sunglasses to choose and how to understand the UV Index

Easy ways to conserve water this summer

Tips for conserving water in British Columbia

A baby boy eating blend food on a high chair

How to introduce food allergens to babies: peanut allergies and more

Learn the latest recommendations and strategies for safely introducing common allergens, including peanuts, to babies

Close up cropped shot of young woman holding a glass of water prepare to swallow an orange pill.

Acetaminophen overdose is a leading cause of liver injury, but it is largely preventable

We need more awareness of the dangers of combining drugs that contain acetaminophen

An image of a woman and an AI robot facing off

How to compete with AI and win in the job market

These human skills and qualities will become more valuable as AI changes the way we work

A young woman leaning on a railing next to Vancouver's False Creek

Why is it so hard to make friends in Vancouver?

Here’s how the community could help newcomers find a sense of belonging

Closeup shot of a man tying shoelaces in outdoors

Heads up guys! How to create daily habits and routines to manage your mental health

Making healthy habits sustainable can help to fight depression

Raising arms with social media likes icons

Online activism isn’t just slacktivism

How social media advocacy can lead to positive, real-life change

Taking pictures of young woman raising her fist up with phones

From women’s rights to climate action: How ordinary people can help change the world

Supporting change in your own sphere of influence is just one way to make a difference.

A photo of a young couple at a kitchen table looking at a phone with a surprised look on their faces

What is a common-law spouse entitled to in BC?

The length of time partners must live together to be considered “common law” may surprise you—and it’s different in BC and federal law.

Toilet bowl in the restroom. Dramatic lighting.

Drug overdoses in public bathrooms are common: here’s how we could prevent harm

Communities can save lives by incorporating safe bathroom practices and raising awareness about overdose

Photo of Dr. Simon Donner on stage at Tedx

Why our imaginations are the key to solving climate change

Envisioning a different future can help us overcome inaction on climate change, says Dr. Simon Donner in his TEDx talk

A man posing with his arm up against orange background.

How to prepare for the flu season in BC

What to expect and where to get your influenza vaccine, along with answers to some common questions

Composite image of people looking unhappy: two people in business suits, a person wearing an apron at a coffee shop and a person in bed with their hand on their forehead

What are microaggressions?

Here are examples of how microaggressions show up in everyday interactions, including in the workplace and health-care settings

A collage showing a family cleaning up at the beach, a plate of sushi, sockeye salmon spawning

5 things you can do to help BC’s marine ecosystems

From reducing your plastic use to choosing sustainable seafood, every action counts

A close-up photo of a mosquito biting someone's finger

How to repel mosquitoes and avoid bites

Tips on the best mosquito repellents and more from a UBC Department of Zoology expert

An illustration of an electric car plugged into a charger and surrounded by plants.

How climate storytelling helps people navigate complexity and find solutions

Despite learning that climate change is hitting the planet faster than scientists predicted, society has been slow to decrease the use of fossil fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Climate storytelling can help us navigate the complexity and find solutions.

An illustration showing a woman sitting being offered a helping hand

How drug decriminalization in BC could help save lives

This Q&A with a UBC addictions expert answers some key questions about the decriminalization of illegal drugs in BC

A photo of a young woman's hands using social media on an tablet

How girls are using social media for positive change

The online world has real dangers, but girls are using social media to create positive change and practice good digital citizenship.

Learning from Indigenous knowledge holders on the state and future of wild Pacific salmon

Elders expressed great concern about the role of greed in management choices

A pink piggy bank with bandaids on dark background

A guaranteed basic income could end poverty, so why isn’t it happening?

Two UBC experts explain how a guaranteed basic income in Canada can be fair, simple and affordable.

Photo of Tamra Levy from the UBC Allard School of Law

Wrongfully convicted? New trial ordered for 1995 Gerald Klassen murder case

Director of the UBC Innocence Project explains what this means for Klassen and how his case highlights problems with the legal system

Managing mental health as pandemic restrictions ease

Many people are dealing with anxiety as we return to the new normal; here are tips to deal with uncertainty

Is it time to move on from Wordle? How crossword puzzles can help train your brain

Trying a variety of puzzles can help keep you mentally sharp

A group of people at a climate change protest. In the centre of the photo is a young woman with a child on her shoulders

The climate crisis demands courage, not optimism

Here’s why citizen action matters for climate change, despite uncertain outcomes

Woman in striped shirt and tights exercising on yoga mat while looking at tablet.

How to get motivated to start exercising at home

App-based workouts can help combat depression and boost mental health. Here are 7 tips to get moving

Four young people sharing glasses of wine and exchanging gifts

Spread cheer, not COVID: Tips for staying safe this holiday season

Here’s how to reduce the risk of COVID infection during gatherings at home and when flying for the holidays

Second-hand gifts, new experiences: shaking up holiday gift giving

More sustainable gift options can help beat inflation while reducing holiday landfill waste

How to make yourself a hard target for communicable diseases

Practices that help slow the spread of COVID-19 can also reduce your risk of the flu, colds and other illnesses

person on grey background wearing a mask and holding hands on temples

Flu season is coming and it could be ugly: What you need to know

UBC’s Dr. Michael Curry weighs in on how to reduce your risk of getting sick

Recognizing the signs of an opioid overdose

Knowing what to look for and how to use a take-home naloxone kit can save a life, says the Executive Director of the BC Centre on Substance Use

People gathered in discussion about mental health.

Why addressing stigma around substance use matters

UBC experts say we need to normalize the conversation, as we’ve done with other health conditions

Kids too young for a COVID-19 vaccine? How to keep them safe

UBC Faculty of Medicine’s Dr. Ran Goldman offers tips for parents to protect children who are not yet immunized against COVID-19 in Canada

Orange shirts with the phrase "Every Child Matters" printed on them line Marine Drive in Vancouver as a memorial for the Indigenous children who were sent to Residential Schools in Canada.

6 ways to deepen your understanding of Indian residential school history

Here’s how to learn more on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the same date as Orange Shirt Day

Children's shoes and a painted orange rock that reads "Every Child Matters" site at a memorial at Canada's Parliament Hill for Indigenous children who were sent to Residential Schools

Truth before reconciliation: 8 ways to identify and confront Residential School denialism

Denialism obscures the truth about Canada’s Indian Residential School system in ways that protect the status quo

Smoke from wildfires descends on Vancouver

10 tips for coping with wildfire smoke, from a public health expert

Protect yourself from the risks of hazardous wildfire smoke

A photo illustration of several neon "Open" signs alight in the dark to signify re-opening of society after COVID-19

Re-entry anxiety: How to adjust to a new, uncertain routine

As the pandemic eases and society opens up, UBC clinical psychologist Dr. Lynn Alden offers tips to help you cope

A photo illustration depicting a bird about to fly into a window

How to prevent birds from hitting windows

Windows crashes are much more common than you might think, but there is plenty you can do to help

An illustration showing what one can say as an active witness during a racist attack. Phrases like "Are you okay?" and "You're not alone" appear.

Racist incidents are on the rise: How to be an active witness

From stepping in to help the victim to reporting the incident, you have more options than you might think

Three people measure a tree in their neighbourhood

How to climate-proof your neighbourhood, one step at a time

The Citizen’s Coolkit offers ideas for action to help cool your neighbourhood

5 ways to cut food waste at home

Wasting food wastes money and the resources used to grow and distribute it. Here’s how Canadians can reduce household food waste

8 tips to communicate better while wearing a face mask

Strategies such as exaggerating eye expressions can help us better understand one another

A group of people holds anti-racism signs at a Black Lives Matter protest

How to be a mindful anti-racist

A mindfulness practice may offer respite and a way to support desire for social justice action

An illustration of two people choosing a new career and personal financial path

Small change. Big difference. How to advance your career and financial life in 2021

Here’s how experts say that you can move forward

A person does an exercise workout by using water bottles as weights

How to work “exercise snacks” into your day

Research shows that “fitness snacking” adds up and even small bites of exercise are good for you

A women drinks hot chocolate to improve her mental health over the holiday season

How to boost your mental health over the holidays

Six strategies to help you get through December amid the COVID-19 pandemic

An active, older adult walks her dog in the park

How older adults can embrace new routines

Physical distancing has disrupted the lives of many active seniors; here’s how to adapt

Illustration of a young man having a conversation with a senior woman

Neighbourhood watch: How to help active seniors combat isolation

Community members and organizations can help older adults connect online during the COVID-19 pandemic

Dr. Claudia Krebs shows the human brain in a UBC neuroanatomy video

You don’t have to be a neuroscientist to understand your brain

UBC neuroanatomy professor created YouTube videos to make medical education more accessible