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Check FAQAbout Michaela
I'm a freelance journalist and writer based in Berlin. I also work as an editor for Deutsche Welle, Germany's international broadcaster. You can find my work in the Globe and Mail, Vice, ZEIT, CityLab, Undark, Frame Magazine, and in other places on the internet. I’m currently completing an MFA in creative nonfiction at the University of King’s College in Halifax, Nova Scotia. My project is focused on the sociological and cultural dimensions of the climate crisis. Check out my website — ****** — follow me on Twitter, or get in touch by email.
Portfolio
At The World Petroleum Congress
The 24th World Petroleum Congress in Calgary focused on the theme 'Energy Transition: The Path to Net Zero,' with discussions on the industry's future and the need for an energy transition. Despite acknowledging the necessity of reducing emissions, the oil industry emphasized the importance of maintaining production and profits. Notable companies like ExxonMobil, BP, Shell, Total, and Chevron highlighted their green initiatives, though their actual investments in low-carbon technologies remain limited. The event also showcased various technological advancements and projects aimed at reducing carbon footprints, while the broader implications of climate change were largely overlooked.
Future-Proofing Your Town Sounds Great, Until You Try It
Lytton, a small Canadian town, was devastated by a wildfire in 2021, leading to a complex and prolonged recovery process. The provincial government initially pledged to rebuild Lytton as a resilient, carbon-neutral town, but this plan faced resistance from residents who prioritized returning home over futuristic rebuilding standards. The recovery has been slow, with bureaucratic hurdles and funding delays exacerbating the situation. In contrast, the neighboring Lytton First Nation has made more progress, leveraging separate funding and focusing on climate resilience. The article highlights the challenges of balancing immediate recovery needs with long-term climate goals.
At the World Petroleum Congress
The 24th World Petroleum Congress in Calgary focused on the theme of 'Energy Transition: The Path to Net Zero,' with discussions highlighting the industry's need to transition while maintaining profitability. Despite the emphasis on decarbonization, there was skepticism about the industry's commitment to meeting 2050 net-zero targets. The event featured various technological solutions but avoided addressing the need to stop burning fossil fuels. The article criticizes major oil companies like ExxonMobil, BP, Shell, Total, and Chevron for their low investment in low-carbon technologies despite their public green claims.
New Tech Can Finally Translate Inuit Language—Sort Of
Microsoft has introduced Inuktitut to its online text translator, marking a significant step for Indigenous language preservation in Canada. Despite the tool's potential, users like Solomon Awa and Louis-Jacques Dorais find its translations often inaccurate, necessitating manual corrections. The initiative, supported by the Nunavut government and local volunteers, aims to aid compliance with language legislation and cultural preservation. However, the complexity of Inuktitut's polysynthetic structure poses challenges for automated translation, highlighting the need for further improvements.
Conquest and Care in Antarctica: On Climate Stories that Complicate the Narrative
The article explores the dual narratives surrounding Antarctica, highlighting its role as both a climate change epicenter and a burgeoning tourist destination. It delves into Elizabeth Rush's book, 'The Quickening,' which challenges traditional conquest narratives by emphasizing care and community in the face of climate change. The text underscores the complexity of human interaction with Antarctica, urging a shift from viewing it as a prize to recognizing its agency. Through Rush's journey to Thwaites Glacier, the article reflects on the ethical implications of exploration and the need for a nuanced understanding of climate stories.
Can you call a tow truck to the Arctic Circle? Stories from Dad’s last road trip
The article recounts a personal story of a road trip taken by the author and their father from Ottawa to Tuktoyaktuk, navigating the Dempster Highway and approaching the Arctic Circle. Despite the father's wavering health due to a chronic battle with leukemia, they embarked on what was to be their crowning adventure. The trip was filled with challenges, including a flat tire near the Arctic Circle, but the father's determination saw them through. The narrative reflects on the father's illness, which eventually became terminal, and his final days. After his passing, the author drives around Ottawa, reminiscing about the past and the road trips taken with their father.
The concept of race is a construct
Scientists at the University of Jena in Germany have called for the term 'race' to be abandoned, arguing there is no biological basis for racial classification. The Jena Declaration, presented at the German Zoological Society's annual meeting, links current forms of racism to historical scientific disciplines like eugenics. The declaration criticizes Ernst Haeckel's classification of human races, which contributed to Nazi racial ideology. The scientists advocate for alternative terms such as ethnic group or population and emphasize the importance of academic honesty in combating racism.
Professionals: Work in progress
The article explores the experiences of two professionals, Arezoo Saberi from Iran and Tarun Kumar from India, who have relocated to Germany for work. Saberi, a mechanical engineer, works at Trumpf in Ditzingen and appreciates the work-life balance in Germany compared to her previous experiences in the US. Kumar, an IT engineer, moved to Berlin and has worked at several startups, finding Germans friendly but noting cultural formalities. Both individuals highlight the challenges and opportunities of working abroad, emphasizing cultural differences and the welcoming nature of German workplaces.
It’s Time to Talk About Ecological Grief
The article discusses the concept of 'ecological grief,' the emotional and psychological impact of climate change on individuals and communities, particularly those closely tied to their natural environments. Highlighting the work of researchers like Courtney Howard and Ashlee Cunsolo, it explores how climate change leads to feelings of depression, anxiety, and loss, especially in vulnerable communities such as the Inuit in Nunatsiavut. The narrative emphasizes the need to acknowledge and address these mental health impacts as part of the broader climate change discourse, advocating for collective action and support to mitigate these intangible losses.
A smallish effort to mimic Russian disinformation tactics comes to light in Alabama
Political operatives in the US emulated Russian disinformation tactics during the 2017 Alabama Senate special election, aiming to secure a Democratic victory. Jonathon Morgan and Matt Osborne used deceptive social media campaigns to influence conservative voters. Despite Morgan's distancing from certain tactics, the efforts drew criticism and comparisons to Russian interference. Doug Jones won the election against Roy Moore, who faced serious allegations. The Federal Elections Commission has been asked to investigate potential election law violations.
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