This month, UBC Arts faculty were featured in media outlets including CBC, Global News, The Conversation, and the South China Morning Post. Their expertise informed reporting on topics including Canadian politics, climate and energy policy, AI and online safety regulation, and loneliness, well-being, and social connection.
Center for the Study of Democratic Institutions
The Conservative Party recently released an AI-generated ad. How do voters feel about this kind of content?
Dr. Chris Tenove said it would be preferable for all political parties to label AI-generated content, but noted it is still an open question whether such a requirement should be mandatory given potential enforcement challenges.
CBC
Department of Arts History, Visual Art & Theory
Artist behind controversial photograph in Fredericton gallery defends it as ‘sacred’
Professor Christine D’Onofrio said the work originally related to the AIDS epidemic and changes meaning over time depending on the viewer.
Global News
Department of Geography
Apartments can become sweltering in summer. Why heat bylaws could be coming to a city near you
Dr. Mohammed Rafi Arefin said there is significant research to suggest that when environmental regulations are adopted, tenants often bear the costs — unless there is another source of funding.
CBC
How to live in a restless world
Dr. Michele Koppes said accepting uncertainty about climate change can help people cope with grief and anxiety, noting that “control is a fallacy” and resilience comes from adapting to ongoing change.
The Narwhal (paywall)
How Taiwan is balancing between American and Chinese visions of energy dominance
Dr. Philippe Le Billon argues that U.S. “energy dominance” is proving limited, as global energy control remains fragmented while China advances in clean energy and import-dependent states like Taiwan face growing security risks.
The Conversation
Ex-member of top climate body says Alberta pipeline deal is not compatible with net-zero
Dr. Simon Donner, a former co-chair of Canada’s Net-Zero Advisory Body, said the federal pipeline deal with Alberta is not compatible with Canada’s 2050 net-zero target, arguing that governments should be transparent with Canadians about the emissions implications of approving such projects.
CBC
Department of History
When going to ‘camp’ meant Roman military lodgings — not summer fun
Dr. Leslie Paris discussed how summer camps evolved from programs aimed at building leadership and resilience in boys into spaces that shaped childhood, community and American identity.
NPR News
The ‘Woodstock’ of housing conferences was held in Vancouver 50 years ago. Why was it forgotten?
Dr. Eagle Glassheim said Vancouver’s 1976 Habitat Forum highlighted experimental housing and renewable energy ideas, including low-cost recycled-material shelters, early electric vehicles, and broader solutions for housing and infrastructure challenges linked to global urbanization.
CBC
Department of Linguistics
Scientists reveal why David Attenborough’s voice makes him the perfect narrator
Dr. Molly Babel says David Attenborough’s voice is perceived as especially pleasant due to the way his vocal folds vibrate, shaping its acoustic quality.
Daily Mail
Department of Political Science
Findlay needs a seat: Conservatives weigh potential by-election options
Dr. Stewart Prest said new B.C. Conservative leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay faces delicate political and strategic decisions as she seeks a seat in the legislature.
Times Colonist
David Eby leaving for trade mission to China but will fly home a few days early
Dr. Kathryn Harrison said Ottawa is seeking B.C.’s support while the province looks to secure concessions in negotiations with the federal government.
Global News
Will B.C. Conservatives’ new leader build a big tent or forge new rightward direction?
Dr. Stewart Prest said he expects the next few years in B.C. politics to be “bruising and quite divisive,” adding that he is concerned debates will become overly simplistic rather than nuanced.
The Province
Hanoi provides platform for Thai, Cambodian PMs to voice commitment to peace
Dr. Yves Tiberghien said the ASEAN Future Forum showed how the region provides a rare platform for sustained dialogue between leaders, with both prime ministers offering cooperative and peace-oriented messages that reflect shared interests and ASEAN’s role in fostering long-term regional stability.
Tuo Itre News
How to rebuild what the great powers broke
Dr. Yves Tiberghien argues that global “rupture” and multipolarity are enabling middle powers to reshape international order through cross-regional coalitions that mediate great-power rivalry and support more stable, decentralized global governance.
East Asia Forum
Department of Psychology
An ordinary mind on an ordinary day
Dr. Kalina Christoff discussed how spontaneous thought and mind-wandering can foster creativity and insight.
Lapham’s Quarterly
Is BC’s new disability funding putting some kids at risk?
Dr. Connor Kerns said many autistic children experience co-occurring mental health conditions, emphasizing the importance of timely access to appropriate supports.
The Tyee
Chatbots are like potato chips: Understanding loneliness in the digital age
Dr. Elizabeth Dunn’s research suggests AI chatbots may offer short-term support but should not replace human connection, as relying on them for companionship could increase feelings of emotional loneliness over time.
Association for Psychological Science
Canada introduces safe social media act to protect children
Dr. Amori Mikami said questions remain about how Canada’s new online harms legislation will be implemented, including whether required safeguards will effectively protect young people from harmful online content.
Medscape News Canada
Laughing amidst the gloom: How activists embrace joy in the fight to save Earth
Dr. Jiaying Zhao said joy may have evolutionary roots in survival, noting that rewarding positive emotions can reinforce behaviour and spread socially through “contagion,” encouraging others to participate.
The Star
Department of Sociology
World Cup delivers double dose of patriotism for Canadian dual citizens
Dr. Neil Armitage said the FIFA World Cup has given Canadians an opportunity to express a distinctive, inclusive form of nationalism, with the tournament fostering patriotism through shared support, fairness, and community.
CTV News
B.C. must learn from Site C dam before starting new projects, says environmentalist
Dr. David Tindall said major projects like Site C face strong public scrutiny over cost and environmental impact, but recent geopolitical tensions have also shifted some opinion toward greater support for new energy infrastructure.
Vancouver is Awesome
School of Public Policy and Global Affairs
‘Dangerous moment’: academic calls for US expulsion from WTO over protectionism
Dr. Kristen Hopewell said rising protectionism is undermining the WTO and argued that allowing the U.S. to remain despite violating trade rules weakens the rules-based system and encourages similar behaviour by other countries.
South China Morning Post
Canada’s social media ban for kids may narrow. Experts say that’s good
Dr. Heidi Tworek (History and School of Public Policy and Global Affairs) said the bill pairs restrictions with incentives for platforms to improve safety features while still recognizing that social media can offer educational and social benefits for some young users.
Global News
Vancouver School of Economics
What happens to CUSMA on July 1? The paths ahead as review set to begin
Dr. Michael Devereux said Canada, the U.S., and Mexico are likely to continue negotiating changes to CUSMA beyond the July 1 review, stressing that businesses need greater certainty and that terminating the agreement would be highly damaging to all three economies.
Global News
BMO branch closure brings anxiety for some seniors in Prince Rupert, B.C.
Dr. Michael Devereaux said banks face rising costs in maintaining physical branches, including staffing and real estate expenses driven up by urban property booms.
CBC
Canada keeps slipping in world happiness rankings. Why are we so sad?
Dr. John Helliwell said young Canadians are experiencing lower well-being, highlighting the role of social connection and trust in improving happiness.
Yahoo News
