About
I hold a PhD in the history of scientific, environmental, and political thought and teach Environmental Studies and Human Dimensions of Climate Change at the University of Victoria. My interests include the history of sustainability, sustainable food systems, and the green economy. In addition to my work in academia, I am the former CEO of an organic food company. I am married with two kids and enjoy running, playing music, cooking, gardening, and fermenting foods. In Victoria, I am active in local politics, the local food scene, and alternative economics.
My research & CV
In broad terms, my research deals with the relationship between human beings and the natural world. What do people think about the environment and how has history shaped these views? Where did sustainability come from and where is it going? How can we learn from the past to create a sustainable society and economy that benefits ecosystems, human health, and the climate? My research draws on history, cultural studies, anthropology, agriculture and agroecology, business, and more, and seeks to benefit public wellbeing.
Buy a book!
My latest book is called One Level at a Time: Transitioning to Organic Vegetable Production (COG, 2018). It's a practical guide to transitioning our food system from conventional to organic production. It's based on interviews with Canadian farmers who've gone organic.
I write for a public readership. I'll post my latest writings here:
I wrote, with Prof. Andrew Gow, an opinion article defending proportional representation in B.C. and criticizing the "No" side for playing the Hitler card. Read it here.
My piece in The Narwhal, on why electoral systems that use proportional representation are beneficial for stable and effective climate policy, can be found here.
My piece for The Conversation Canada called "Organic Agriculture is Going Mainstream, But not the Way You Think It Is" is found here.
Buy One Level at a Time
(around $25)
This transition handbook is applicable to vegetable producers in Canada, the U.S., and other temperature growing areas.
It includes information on the barriers and risks of transition, the rewards and benefits, agronomic chapters on soil, weeds, and pests, marketing opportunities, and certification pathways.
It can be purchased via COG (Canadian Organic Growers) here.
Buy Sustainability: A History (around $20)
Shop for Sustainability: A History at Amazon, Chapters Indigo, Barnes and Noble, and Audible.com.
An edited excerpt of the book ran on theatlantic.com. Click here to read it.
Watch Sustainability: A History come to life in this short video presentation!