Silent sacrifice: The human price of defending nature in Mexico's mining zones

Explore the environmental and human rights impacts of Canadian mining companies operating in Mexico. Research supported by Global Witness and the National Autonomous University of Mexico reveals how systemic corruption and weak regulatory frameworks allow these corporations to exploit natural resources with little accountability. Marginalized communities, particularly Indigenous groups, face violence and intimidation when opposing these operations, often with deadly consequences. This talk highlights the critical role of Indigenous leaders and environmental defenders in advocating for their rights and protecting natural resources. The talk concludes with a call for stronger legislative and policy measures from the Mexican and Canadian governments to ensure corporate accountability, safeguard vulnerable communities and promote sustainable, responsible resource extraction.

Students spin old clothes into synthetic spider silk — and gold

Hear from the interdisciplinary undergrad team that won gold among 400 other teams from around the world at the iGEM Grand Jamboree in Paris in October about how they came up with an innovative solution to the rampant waste caused by the fast fashion industry. Using genetically modified E. coli bacteria, they found a way to break down waste fabric into feedstock to make spider silk, which is highly valued by industry.