Sustainability

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

Published: October 16, 2023

Latest stories in Sustainability

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

Easy ways to conserve water this summer

Tips for conserving water in British Columbia

Photo of writer Naomi Klein looking into the camera

Naomi Klein on the future of climate justice

Climate activist Naomi Klein shares insights on tackling climate injustice in BC, Canada and beyond

How the COP27 climate conference could confront colonialism by centring Indigenous rights

Many “green” solutions represent more violations of Indigenous rights and territories, without consultation or consent

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

Next-generation batteries power a more sustainable future

UBC researchers are developing better batteries for electric cars, solar panels and more

Harnessing the power of forests to fight climate change

Dr. Suzanne Simard’s Mother Tree Project at UBC could transform how we manage forests.

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 Grizzly bear sitting on the banks of a river.

BC is facing a steep decline in sockeye salmon

As BC coastal waters warm, sockeye salmon are moving north to Alaska. Here’s what’s moving up to BC

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.

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 photo of fried calamari with the ocean and sun in the background

Climate change is now on the menu at seafood restaurants

As ocean temperatures rise, you’ll see more squid and sardines on menus and less sockeye salmon

A collection of images depicting what effects affect air quality

What exactly is air quality, and what affects it in BC?

Learn about air pollution sources and how weather and location affect air quality in BC

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

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

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

An illustration showing items that can be a part of a circular economy.

What is the circular economy?

Tied to reducing, reusing and recycling, this concept could be the key to a more sustainable future

Sea turtle swimming next to tiger with plastic bag caught in its shell

Instead of shopping this Black Friday, consider curbing your consumption

With plastic in everything from computers to clothing, UBC researchers connect what we’re buying to what’s harming our oceans

COP26: Strong carbon-trading rules could help the world avoid dangerous levels of global warming

An international emissions-trading system being discussed at COP26 could bring an end to the production of coal-fired electricity

Getting to the HART of affordable housing

A new tool co-developed by UBC experts helps to estimate how much affordable housing a city needs

Speculative rendering of False Creek in 2050, illustrating the incorporation of nature-based solutions through the restoration of wetlands and coastal ecosystems. It shows a higher sea level that is mitigated by the planting and caretaking of coastal wetlands.

It’s time to accept, not resist, rising sea levels

UBC landscape architecture professor Kees Lokman explains how nature-based solutions could help coastal communities adapt

Photo illustration of an aerial view of cars that are powered by green hydrogen on a highway.

Why green hydrogen — but not grey — could help solve climate change

Green hydrogen could allow us to drive for 1,000 kilometres on a single tank of fuel without any emissions

Aerial photo of a fishing trawler in the ocean with its nets cast out into the water to catch fish with

Putting an end to billions in fishing subsidies could improve fish stocks and ocean health

UBC’s Dr. Daniel Skerritt explains how fishing subsidies limit our ability to sustainably manage our fisheries

A trail between large trees in Pacific Spirt Park, an urban forest in Vancouver

How cities can avoid “green gentrification” and make urban forests accessible

UBC’s Dr. Lorien Nesbitt explains how urban trees and parks are unfairly distributed, and the nature experience is not equal for everyone

A river and mountain in Banff National Park, Canada, a place protected by conservation measures

How to meet the ambitious target of conserving 30 per cent of Earth by 2030

Canada’s new conservation goal, 30 by 30, requires innovative action to protect natural areas

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

An illustration showing how insect biodiversity affects the foods we eat

With biodiversity under siege, even blueberries and chocolate could be at risk

When pollinators like native bees are threatened, so is the abundance and diversity of foods we eat

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

Environmental human rights illustration showing a young girl among leaves

Why all human rights depend on a healthy environment

Environmental degradation threatens our human rights, including the rights to life, health and food

Illustration of activities that affect your carbon footprint, like flying or recycling

Top ways to reduce your carbon footprint

Well-meaning individuals often make poor choices when it comes to reducing their carbon footprint

Youth climate movements connected through social networks

What lies ahead for Fridays for Future and the youth climate movement

The pandemic interrupted climate justice protests, but the youth climate movement is adapting