Profs Making Headlines
April 01, 2014 - In the News
Prof. Evan Fraser, Geography, was interviewed by CBC – The Current and CTV about the latest report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Fraser served as expert reviewer on a chapter in the report discussing the potential impact of climate change on agricultural production and food shortages. He said small changes in climate could have a large impact on farmers around the world and that farmers need a stronger fiscal safety net and more technology, especially in poorer countries.
In an interview with the Toronto Star, Prof. Todd Gillis, Integrative Biology, discussed the potential impact of climate change on animals and whether some species might become extinct. The latest IPCC report said a number of species are threatened by climate change but it is difficult to determine the percentage of species at risk. Gillis said temperature is just one issue affecting plants and animals; changes in carbon dioxide and oxygen can also lead to extinction. He said local environmental change may threaten species found only in that area.
Prof. Tamara Small, Political Science, was interviewed by the Toronto Star for a story on the upcoming Toronto mayoral election. The story looked at how many negative comments were deleted from social media platforms of the primary candidates. Small said it is important to use and monitor social media, but actually connecting with voters is the best strategy to win an election. She studies the use of digital technology in Canadian elections.
