UBC experts on Earth Day 2024

Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)UBC experts on Earth Day 2024 Media AdvisoriesOn April 22, the world will celebrate Earth Day under the theme “Planet vs Plastics.” UBC experts are available to comment. Health and environment riskDr. Juan José Alava (he/him)Honorary Research Associate, Institute for the Oceans and FisheriesPrincipal Investigator, Ocean Pollution Research UnitEmail: [email protected] language(s): English, SpanishMicroplastic and plastic marine pollution, ocean pollution, pollutants in the marine food web, marine ecotoxicology, marine mammal toxicology (e.g., effects and bioaccumulation of pollutants in endangered southern resident killer whales), climate changeDr. Christopher CarlstenProfessor and Head of Respiratory Medicine, Department of MedicineTel: 604-839-1561Email: [email protected] language(s): EnglishHealth impacts of microplasticsDr. Kai Chan (he/him)Professor, Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability, and the Institute for the Oceans and FisheriesCanada Research Chair, Biodiversity and Ecosystem ServicesEmail: [email protected] language(s): EnglishWildlife, ecosystem services, climate change and its ecological impacts, human action and social transformation, environmental policyDr. Iwalaye (Ayo) OladimejiPostdoctoral Fellow, Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric SciencesTel: 604-401-8720Email: [email protected] language(s): EnglishImpacts of microplastics on marine life, particularly invertebratesDr. U. Rashid Sumaila (he/him)University Killam Professor, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, and School of Public Policy and Global AffairsTel: 604-351-7406Email: [email protected] language(s): English, Hausa, NorwegianOptimal plastic consumption and use, thoughtful consumption, blue economyInnovative solutionsDr. Mohammad ArjmandAssistant Professor, UBC Okanagan School of EngineeringCanada Research Chair, Advanced Materials and Polymer EngineeringEmail: [email protected] language(s): EnglishPlastic recycling* Available 9 a.m.-noon on April 22Dr. Johan FosterAssociate Professor, Department of Chemical and Biological EngineeringTel: 604-817-8882Email: [email protected] language(s): EnglishPlastic degradation, microplastics, bio-based polymers and composites, recycling of plastics, biodegradable materials and packagingDr. Feng Jiang (he/him)Assistant Professor, Department of Wood ScienceCanada Research Chair (Tier II), Sustainable Functional BiomaterialsTel: 604-999-0064Email: [email protected] language(s): EnglishRenewable and bio-based materials/products for plastic replacement* Available April 22-24Dr. Amanda JohnsonResearcher, Faculty of ForestryTel: 778-989-1472Email: [email protected] language(s): EnglishPlant-based plastics, end-of-life management of plastics, biodegradation, paper and cardboard packaging substitutes, bio-based materials for single-use items, green chemistryCreated a bioplastic from agricultural waste* Unavailable the afternoon of April 24Policy and changeKookai Chaimahawong (she/her)Executive Director, Centre for Climate and Business SolutionsTel: 778-879-6960Email: [email protected] language(s): EnglishCircular economy, regenerative business model, impact investing, ESG management, sustainable business models, climate risks and opportunities, the role of private sectors, SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises)* Unavailable the afternoon of April 22 or on April 26Dr. Carol Liao (she/her)Associate Professor, Peter A. Allard School of LawUBC Sauder Distinguished Fellow, Peter P. Dhillon Centre for Business EthicsTel: 604-822-3752Email: [email protected] language(s): EnglishCorporate law, climate law, climate governance, sustainability, business ethics, EDIDr. Jiaying Zhao (she/her)Associate Professor, Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability, and Department of PsychologyCell: 604-865-4765Email: [email protected] language(s): English, Mandarin