News That Matters To You

By Mark Lowey
Canada’s expansion of nuclear power makes no sense economically, will delay reducing the use of fossil fuels using cheaper energy technologies, and will increase the risk of nuclear proliferation, say some energy and environmental experts in academe. However, if the enormous construction costs can be overcome, then it makes sense to invest in nuclear in the long run because it has some advantages including a small footprint, they said.

By Mark Lowey
Nuclear power expansion underway in Ontario and planned in other provinces is too costly, comes too late, and isn't the solution Canada needs, says University of British Columbia's M. V. Ramana, pointing to the nuclear industry's history of cost overruns, project delays, unresolved nuclear waste issues, and proliferation risks. Investments in nuclear detract from more viable renewable energy solutions crucial for meeting urgent climate goals, he argues.

By Mark Lowey
Canada needs a new science culture framework that is equitable, community-centric, values Indigenous and other kinds of knowledge, empowers marginalized populations, and is relevant to people’s everyday lives, science ecosystem stakeholders said during a Canadian Science Policy Centre webinar. Research shows that a strong science culture is a key contributor to health, innovation, economic growth and both individual and societal wellbeing.

By Mark Lowey
Coquitlam, B.C.-based Quantum computing company Photonic Inc.'s Entanglement First™ architecture, designed from the ground up for scalable, distributed quantum systems, aims to accelerate quantum computing commercialization, says Stephanie Simmons, founder and chief quantum officer. Canada's early lead in quantum research must translate to long-term economic impact through strategic support and commercialization efforts, she notes

By Mark Lowey
U.S. cuts to weather research, services and personnel could negatively impact Canada's forecasting accuracy, says Jim Abraham, former federal director general of weather and environmental monitoring. Abraham, who chaired the Council of Canadian Academies' new report on the future of Canada's public weather service, says Canada needs to strengthen weather services partnerships with our Northern communities and other countries.

By Mark Lowey
Nature-based solutions can help meet Canada’s 2030 climate and biodiversity targets but there are many gaps in research, implementing projects, measuring how well they work, and a $20-billion financing shortfall. Canada also needs a national framework for nature-based solutions with harmonized standards, experts said in a webinar by the Canadian Science and Policy Centre.

By Mark Lowey
Transforming the global food system demands a fundamental rethinking of how food is produced, distributed, consumed and governed, according to a CIFAR report by nine international food experts. Hugo Campos of the International Potato Center notes that failing food systems cannot deliver sustainable, nutritious and affordable diets, requiring interdisciplinary research to address this complex challenge.

By Mark Lowey
Quantum computing systems are expected to be commercialized within five years, potentially revolutionizing fields from drug discovery to AI. But experts warn that organizations must act now to protect against quantum computers' ability to crack current encryption – highlighting both quantum's opportunities and cybersecurity risks.

By Mark Lowey
Canada's commitment to hydrogen is evident through numerous federal initiatives; however, public awareness remains a potential bottleneck. Investment in hydrogen hubs and corridors, along with a strategic focus on high-potential end-uses, will accelerate Canada's position in the global hydrogen market, according to the federal government's progress report on Canada's hydrogen strategy.