Jiaying Zhao

Climate change

How to talk to people about climate change

As our planet warms, seas rise and catastrophic weather events become more frequent, action on climate change has never been more important. But how do you convince people who still don’t believe that humans contribute to the warming climate?

Mar 30, 2021

‘Individual action matters’: climate communicators need to give useful advice, researcher says

CBC spoke to Jiaying Zhao, the Canada Research Chair in behavioural sustainability and a psychology professor at UBC, about the need for better communication and action against climate change. “Instead of just […]

Apr 8, 2019

The fear of losing it all

Jiaying Zhao, a UBC psychologist who studies scarcity, spoke to The Cut about how the feeling of not having enough money affects cognitive abilities.

Mar 25, 2019

‘We can do a lot better’: Metro Vancouver recycling, composting rate stalls at 63%

CBC spoke to Jiaying Zhao, a professor UBC’s psychology and sustainability departments, about household recycling in Vancouver. Zhao suggested several ways to make recycling easier, such as simplifying signs on […]

Jan 28, 2019

Donation bin-related deaths prompt manufacturer to stop production

Various media outlets reported on donation bin-related deaths in Canada and mentioned work being done by UBC engineers, led by professor Ray Taheri, to design a safer bin. Stories appeared […]

Jan 9, 2019

As solid waste increases rapidly, accurate sorting is becoming imperative in North American cities where the average person throws out 700-800 kilograms of solid waste each year.

Online game trains players how to sort waste correctly

A simple online game can teach people to more accurately sort waste—with lasting results, a new UBC study has found.

Dec 6, 2018

Making bins more convenient boosts recycling and composting rates

Making bins more convenient boosts recycling and composting rates

Want to recycle or compost more? Try moving the bins closer, new UBC research suggests.

Apr 20, 2017

Self-worth boosts ability to overcome poverty

Self-worth boosts ability to overcome poverty

For people in poverty, remembering better times – such as past success – improves brain functioning and increases their willingness to seek help from crucial aid services.

Dec 17, 2013

Poverty impairs cognitive function

Poverty impairs cognitive function

Poverty consumes so much mental energy that those in poor circumstances have little remaining brainpower to concentrate on other areas of life, new research finds.

Aug 29, 2013