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How can Prescribed Burning and Indigenous Cultural Burning be Used to Reduce the Impacts of Wildfires in Canadian Forests in Response to the Effects of Climate Change?
No full textThe relatively recent uptick in extreme wildfire seasons in Canada is linked to a history of fire suppression management and accelerated climate change, creating discussion on prescribed burning and Indigenous cultural burning for proactive forest management. The literature review analyzes several studies on the use of prescribed burning, primarily in coniferous forests similar to those found in western Canada, to reduce fuel buildup on the forest floor. The literature review also emphasizes the importance of Indigenous-led, collaborative forest management based on traditional Indigenous burning practices. Findings indicate that prescribed burning and Indigenous cultural burning have significant impacts on wildfires through reducing forest fuel load and increasing the resistance of forest ecosystems to fire. These results reveal the potential for prescribed and cultural burning in active forest management in Canada and invite further research into these methods
Symbiosis Between EE and SE: The Combined Effect of Environmental Values and Fascination with Biology on Biodiversity-Related Learning
No full textCognitive learning in ‘green’ education modules feeds its success from a host of predictor variables. In our present study, we focused on the relation between environmental attitude sets and fascination with biology and their impact on biodiversity-related learning within a sample of 205 Bavarian 10th graders (Mage = 15.3, SD = ±0.64). We engaged the participants in an innovative environmental learning module situated in biology lessons and including student-centered, hands-on learning experiences, such as, for instance, a species identification exercise, interactive multimedia-based elearning activities, or a role-play to explore a future scenario for sustainable forestry. Central element of our module was a citizen science activity in which students collected forest soil samples that contributed to the DNA barcoding project Barcoding Fauna Bavarica, which aims to complete a comprehensive inventory of biodiversity at the state and national level. Using a pre-post-retention-test design (T0, T1, T2), we monitored cognitive achievement, environmental values, and fascination with biology by applying a module-dependent knowledge test, the 2-MEV scale and the Fascination with Science scale. Pro-environmental values (preservation, PRE) showed a strong positive correlation with fascination with biology (FB), whereas preferences of nature utilization (UTL) revealed the reverse trend. The effects of PRE attitudes and FB on biodiversity-related learning were analyzed via structural equation modeling (SEM): both variables positively predicted cognitive learning achieved through module participation. The results underline the relevance of developing a symbiotic relationship between environmental education (EE) and science education (SE), which is up to now underresearched and underrepresented in practice. 
Eco-thinking and Informal Science Learning: Building a Journal for Everyone
No full textAs founding co-editors, we welcome you to the launch of the International Journal of Informal Science and Environmental Learning (IJISEL). These are exciting times to begin a new journal that focuses on informal science and environmental learning. We share with you our aspiration to create an academic space that brings together the informal science and environmental education communities through an open-access platform - accessible to a diverse and international audience. In aiming to draw a collection of original research, the new journal will document and describe a diversity of research from around the globe. We will address this goal in two ways. First, the journal will refl ect a diversity of voices/cultures conducting research across these global fi elds of inquiry. Second, the journal will further illuminate research diversity by highlighting an eclectic range of methodologies. From established to emergent methodologies we aim for papers to describe learning in science and environmental contexts in ways that push our collective thinking about what is possible. 
Rebuilding Our Teams to Be Critically Conscious in Our Educational Work
No full textIt is never easy to realize that, despite good intentions, one’s efforts to be helpful may cause more harm. That is, in part, the reckoning the ISE field must address as we emerge from the global pandemic striving to do and be better. While there are instances and examples of educational work that exemplify our vision for equity, access, and inclusion, for the most part, ISE practice continues to operate within paradigms from the larger systems of society that perpetuate inequalities. We argue work towards the just and egalitarian goals in ISE organization’s equity and access statements fall short without the organization’s staff (the humans who do the work) engaging in critical consciousness together. Building on a model from youth development scholars, we advocate for the need to include humility, compassion, and belonging in critical consciousness. Without these components, unconscious biases shade people’s abilities to see the strengths in those different from them, to offer care to everyone (especially people who have been pushed into the margins), and to work towards ensuring everyone is rightfully welcomed, just as they are. Importantly, we must embody these ideas with our staff and in our work culture before we can genuinely practice them for our audiences. Doing so requires a mindset towards professional learning and reflective practice, and then intentionally designing and refining structures to support learning from individual staff into the collective organization. 
BLOCKADES, INFLUENCERS, AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Full text linkOn November 19, 2024, A/D Kelly Coffin presented Blockades, Influencers and Entrepreneurship for this year’s West Coast Security Conference. The presentation was followed by a question-and-answer period with questions from the audience and CASIS Vancouver executives. The key points discussed were the nature of the work conducted by the PSIO during the blockade of Coutts, AB in January and February 2022 and the importance of being transparent about the capabilities and limitations of the analysis being conducted.
Received: 12-21-2024
Revised: 01-30-202
COMMUNICATING CRITICAL CITYWIDE INFORMATION IN AN ERA OF MIS AND DISINFORMATION
Full text linkOn November 18th, 2024, Ms. Heather Hastie presented Communicating Critical Citywide Information in an Era of Mis and Disinformation for this year’s West Coast Security Conference. The presentation was followed by a question-and-answer period with questions from the audience and CASIS Vancouver executives. The key points discussed were the rupture of the Bearspaw South Feeder Main, challenges experienced by The City’s Crisis Communications team, and how effective communications can drive necessary behaviour change despite the prevalence of misinformation and disinformation.
Received: 12-30-2024
Revised: 01-24-202
MULTITASKING, DISTRACTION, AND VULNERABILITY: HUMAN SECURITY IN A DIGITAL AGE
Full text linkOn November 18, 2024, Dr. Gloria Mark presented Multitasking, Distraction, and Vulnerability: Human Security in a Digital Age for this year’s West Coast Security Conference. The presentation was followed by a question-and-answer period with questions from the audience and CASIS Vancouver executives. The key points discussed were the correlation between technology use and attention spans, human interventions with AI, and regaining control over our attention spans in the digital world.
Received: 12-26-2024
Revised: 01-29-202
THE LANGUAGE OF TERRORISTS: ASSESSING RISK OF VIOLENCE IN ONLINE SPACES
Full text linkOn November 19th, 2024, Dr. Julia Ebner presented The Language of Terrorists: Assessing Risk of Violence in Online Spaces for this year’s West Coast Security Conference. The presentation was followed by a question-and-answer period with questions from the audience and CASIS Vancouver executives. The key points discussed were the connection between identity fusion and violent behavior, the associated use of kinship language by ingroups, and the impact of shared dysphoric experiences like combat military trauma on identity fusion.
Received: 12-15-2024
Revised: 01-28-202
THIRD DAY OPENING REMARKS
Full text linkDr. Gilmour’s remarks focused on defending sovereignty in an environment that, due to evolving threats, is more complex than ever. Subsequently, a fundamental problem for modern states is defending against threats while maintaining sovereignty. Dr. Gilmour concluded that international cooperation is fundamental to addressing threats, however previous alliances and multilateral institutions, of which Canada is a key contributor and beneficiary, are coming under increased threat.
Received: 01-02-2024
Revised: 01-26-202
KEY INSIGHTS AND LESSONS LEARNED SINCE THE INCEPTION OF THE SWEDISH PSYCHOLOGICAL AGENCY
Full text linkOn November 20, 2024, Director General Dr. Magnus Hjort presented Key Insights and Lessons Learned Since the Inception of the Swedish Psychological Defence Agency for this year’s West Coast Security Conference. The key points discussed in Dr. Hjort’s presentation included the current threat landscape from Sweden’s perspective, the objectives of the agency, the space the agency occupies within Sweden’s larger defence apparatus, and lastly, recommendations for the future of psychological defence.
Received: 12-22-2024
Revised: 01-16-202