2021

STOP the Wolf Cull in Western Canada: Re-visiting Human-centric Development

STOP the Wolf Cull in Western Canada: Re-visiting Human-centric Development

Many of us may consider ‘development’ to be a human problem consisting of economic issues and focusing on economic growth. But what about the environment? If academics and policymakers continue to frame ‘development’ as human-centric, we risk severe consequences. Let’s consider the current wolf cull in Western Canada, specifically in British Columbia and Alberta. It is completely legal, encouraged and funded by the provincial governments to slaughter wolves in Western Canada through methods such as poisoning and shooting these animals from helicopters. The reasoning behind this cull is that the wolf populations are apparently causing a decline in caribou populations in these areas. Research tells us that this reasoning is inaccurate and highlights the issues that arise with ignoring the environmental dimensions of ‘development’. 

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Police Brutality in Kenya: A Deadlier Threat Than COVID-19?

Police Brutality in Kenya: A Deadlier Threat Than COVID-19?

Dozens of protests against police brutality emerged across major American cities in 2020. These protests have evolved in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement, which gained momentum with the murder of George Floyd. Yet, these protests have long existed in other parts of the world. People in Kenya, for instance, have been fighting against similar injustices for decades. These uprisings have gathered a growing following and have united with the Black Lives Matter movement in the United States. In Nairobi, hundreds of people have taken to the streets to condemn the brutal acts of violence inflicted by the police. However, this conflict has been accentuated and simultaneously side-swept by a new, headline-dominating threat: The Coronavirus pandemic. 

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Brazil: The Return of Colonialism

Brazil: The Return of Colonialism

The impacts of colonialism are still felt around the world. For the most part, the descendants of colonizers occupy the wealthier (formerly ‘Mother’) nations and settler states, while the areas that were historically exploited persist in their struggle to overcome poverty and underdevelopment. Within settler states, minority populations—such as racialized communities, immigrants, migrant workers, and Indigenous Peoples—face obstacles that stem from colonialism. In the Americas, racism and discrimination against native populations are particularly prevalent. Some countries, such as Canada, have only recently taken steps towards reconciliation in an effort to acknowledge and address a dark history of oppression and forced assimilation tactics. Despite criticism that efforts towards reconciliation can be slow,  the overarching goal is to ensure that the worst of colonialism is in the past. Other countries, however, appear to be regressing, rather than moving forward. Since the inauguration of current Brazilian president, Jair Bolsonaro (2019-present), many of Brazil’s  policies that affect the Indigenous Peoples of the Amazon have been more reflective of a return of colonialism—unbridled and blatant in the 21st century.

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