Varina Crisfield
@vcrisfield.bsky.social
Plant ecologist/conservation researcher. PhD candidate at Université de Sherbrooke. Also passionate about urban sustainability.
“Si le chemin est beau, ne nous demandons pas où il mène”
“Si le chemin est beau, ne nous demandons pas où il mène”
Reposted by Varina Crisfield
Leading medical publication the British Medical Journal recognises SUVs as a danger to public health in a new editorial co-authored by T&E’s James Nix: bit.ly/4hVDlBC
Large SUVs are a danger to pedestrians, cyclists & other drivers.
It's time to take action to reduce their presence in urban areas.
Large SUVs are a danger to pedestrians, cyclists & other drivers.
It's time to take action to reduce their presence in urban areas.
November 12, 2025 at 9:23 AM
Leading medical publication the British Medical Journal recognises SUVs as a danger to public health in a new editorial co-authored by T&E’s James Nix: bit.ly/4hVDlBC
Large SUVs are a danger to pedestrians, cyclists & other drivers.
It's time to take action to reduce their presence in urban areas.
Large SUVs are a danger to pedestrians, cyclists & other drivers.
It's time to take action to reduce their presence in urban areas.
A lot about Alberta is embarrassing, sadly. I really, really miss it sometimes. Then I see things like this.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Alberta's role in Canada's loss of measles elimination status embarrassing, former chief medical officer says | CBC News
The latest federal data shows Alberta accounts for 38 per cent of Canada’s cases.
www.cbc.ca
November 11, 2025 at 1:17 PM
A lot about Alberta is embarrassing, sadly. I really, really miss it sometimes. Then I see things like this.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Reposted by Varina Crisfield
If you’re wondering what a “least weasel” is, they absolutely live up to the name. This is the least amount of animal you can have that can still meet the bar for “is weasel”
June 2, 2025 at 6:30 AM
If you’re wondering what a “least weasel” is, they absolutely live up to the name. This is the least amount of animal you can have that can still meet the bar for “is weasel”
The researcher in me is giving SERIOUS side eye to the colour ramp used in this figure. It seems designed to highlight relatively small changes within a given range (you need to click the link to see the legend).
The active transport nerd in me loves it anyway. Improved air quality is always a win!
The active transport nerd in me loves it anyway. Improved air quality is always a win!
“Air pollution fell substantially as Paris restricted car traffic and made way for parks, people-streets and bike-lanes.”
Better for the climate, better for health, better for livability and quality of life.
Common sense.
Such a no-brainer, it’s remarkable that more cities HAVEN’T done the same.
Better for the climate, better for health, better for livability and quality of life.
Common sense.
Such a no-brainer, it’s remarkable that more cities HAVEN’T done the same.
Paris said au revoir to cars. Air pollution maps reveal a dramatic change.
Air pollution fell substantially as the city restricted car traffic and made way for parks and bike lanes.
www.washingtonpost.com
October 28, 2025 at 12:53 PM
The researcher in me is giving SERIOUS side eye to the colour ramp used in this figure. It seems designed to highlight relatively small changes within a given range (you need to click the link to see the legend).
The active transport nerd in me loves it anyway. Improved air quality is always a win!
The active transport nerd in me loves it anyway. Improved air quality is always a win!
Reposted by Varina Crisfield
Winter cycling tips for people that experience snowy winter conditions #wintercycing youtu.be/mCpen27DkBQ
WINTER CYCLING Tips For Folks Who EXPERIENCE Actual WINTER
YouTube video by BikeBike Rides
youtu.be
October 18, 2025 at 12:43 PM
Winter cycling tips for people that experience snowy winter conditions #wintercycing youtu.be/mCpen27DkBQ
Reposted by Varina Crisfield
You gotta give ‘em hop.
October 13, 2025 at 1:32 PM
You gotta give ‘em hop.
I need a bike. After extensive research, I've found that the bike that best accommodates all my needs is, in fact, three separate bikes.
October 12, 2025 at 4:16 PM
I need a bike. After extensive research, I've found that the bike that best accommodates all my needs is, in fact, three separate bikes.
Reposted by Varina Crisfield
How can YOU help fix the climate crisis? This new guide I researched and created with support from @projectdrawdown.bsky.social will help you find & flex your climate superpowers:
👩⚖️ Citizen
💼 Professional
💵 Investor
✈️ Consumer
🌟 Role Model
Check out jointheshift.earth and let's #MakeSHIFThappen!
👩⚖️ Citizen
💼 Professional
💵 Investor
✈️ Consumer
🌟 Role Model
Check out jointheshift.earth and let's #MakeSHIFThappen!
September 9, 2025 at 4:36 PM
How can YOU help fix the climate crisis? This new guide I researched and created with support from @projectdrawdown.bsky.social will help you find & flex your climate superpowers:
👩⚖️ Citizen
💼 Professional
💵 Investor
✈️ Consumer
🌟 Role Model
Check out jointheshift.earth and let's #MakeSHIFThappen!
👩⚖️ Citizen
💼 Professional
💵 Investor
✈️ Consumer
🌟 Role Model
Check out jointheshift.earth and let's #MakeSHIFThappen!
Invisible trail season is upon us again.
October 12, 2025 at 11:31 AM
Invisible trail season is upon us again.
Reposted by Varina Crisfield
We have truly not yet figured out how to cope with a person or institution that is "aware" of climate change, "accepts the science", but then decides to continue actively worsening it anyway
We don't even have a word or a phrase for this!
theconversation.com/mark-carneys...
We don't even have a word or a phrase for this!
theconversation.com/mark-carneys...
Mark Carney’s climate inaction is at odds with his awareness of climate change’s existential threat
Climate action no longer seems to be a priority for Prime Minister Mark Carney, despite his previous activism. This is bad news for Canadians and the climate.
theconversation.com
October 10, 2025 at 9:09 PM
We have truly not yet figured out how to cope with a person or institution that is "aware" of climate change, "accepts the science", but then decides to continue actively worsening it anyway
We don't even have a word or a phrase for this!
theconversation.com/mark-carneys...
We don't even have a word or a phrase for this!
theconversation.com/mark-carneys...
Spent the day in this spectacular bog complex, which, based on some back-of-the-napkin math (by a highly qualified expert), is storing approximately 200,000 tonnes of CO2, amongst its other ecosystem services. Peatlands REALLY matter!
October 8, 2025 at 11:50 PM
Spent the day in this spectacular bog complex, which, based on some back-of-the-napkin math (by a highly qualified expert), is storing approximately 200,000 tonnes of CO2, amongst its other ecosystem services. Peatlands REALLY matter!
Autumn in Abitibi. Too warm. Still pretty.
October 5, 2025 at 6:19 PM
Autumn in Abitibi. Too warm. Still pretty.
Reposted by Varina Crisfield
If you're still using Amazon to buy stuff, this extract from a forthcoming book by Cory Doctorow (he of "enshittification" coinage) might just convince you not to.
/...
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
/...
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
Way past its prime: how did Amazon get so rubbish?
Sick of scrolling through junk results, AI-generated ads and links to lookalike products? The author and activist behind the term ‘enshittification’ explains what’s gone wrong with the internet – and ...
www.theguardian.com
October 5, 2025 at 7:46 AM
If you're still using Amazon to buy stuff, this extract from a forthcoming book by Cory Doctorow (he of "enshittification" coinage) might just convince you not to.
/...
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
/...
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
Reposted by Varina Crisfield
We’re going through very dark times: socially, politically and especially environmentally. If you think globally, you get really depressed, so act locally. Each one of us makes some impact...every single day.
.
- #JaneGoodall 1934 - 2025
.
- #JaneGoodall 1934 - 2025
October 3, 2025 at 5:02 AM
We’re going through very dark times: socially, politically and especially environmentally. If you think globally, you get really depressed, so act locally. Each one of us makes some impact...every single day.
.
- #JaneGoodall 1934 - 2025
.
- #JaneGoodall 1934 - 2025
Reposted by Varina Crisfield
a study that changes the paradigm of horizontal gene transfer across kingdoms, led by my former PhD supervisor Bernard Goffinet, congratulations to his team www.nature.com/articles/s41...
October 1, 2025 at 12:01 PM
a study that changes the paradigm of horizontal gene transfer across kingdoms, led by my former PhD supervisor Bernard Goffinet, congratulations to his team www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Fall settles into the townships.
September 30, 2025 at 2:50 PM
Fall settles into the townships.
The call for applications for the 2026 Liber Ero fellowship are now open. If you are a conservation researcher in Canada I strongly encourage you to apply for this amazing opportunity!
liberero.ca
liberero.ca
Liber Ero Fellowship Program
liberero.ca
September 26, 2025 at 11:02 AM
The call for applications for the 2026 Liber Ero fellowship are now open. If you are a conservation researcher in Canada I strongly encourage you to apply for this amazing opportunity!
liberero.ca
liberero.ca
Thinking of the #yegbike community today. It's been a long time since I've left Edmonton but I remember folks fondly, and wish I could be there with you today. Hope the sunshine graces your #coffeeoutside with its presence.
September 26, 2025 at 10:57 AM
Thinking of the #yegbike community today. It's been a long time since I've left Edmonton but I remember folks fondly, and wish I could be there with you today. Hope the sunshine graces your #coffeeoutside with its presence.
Reposted by Varina Crisfield
We are searching for a Forest Ecophysiologist (tenure track Assistant or Associate Professor) to join the Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences, University of British Columbia Faculty of Forestry. Please share! Details are here: ubc.wd10.myworkdayjobs.com/ubcfacultyjobs
September 25, 2025 at 9:28 PM
We are searching for a Forest Ecophysiologist (tenure track Assistant or Associate Professor) to join the Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences, University of British Columbia Faculty of Forestry. Please share! Details are here: ubc.wd10.myworkdayjobs.com/ubcfacultyjobs
Reposted by Varina Crisfield
I only met Dr. Darren Markland a few times, but he made an impact on me. This clip from coffee outside (with Darren giving away free coffee from his bike-mounted coffee-maker) offers a glimpse into how he viewed cycling and community as interwoven. I'm so sorry for his family and community.
September 24, 2025 at 3:41 PM
I only met Dr. Darren Markland a few times, but he made an impact on me. This clip from coffee outside (with Darren giving away free coffee from his bike-mounted coffee-maker) offers a glimpse into how he viewed cycling and community as interwoven. I'm so sorry for his family and community.
I'll be there in spirit. Wish I could be there in person. My condolences to the community.
We can't say too much at this time, but if you've ever been to Coffee Outside (or thought about coming), it's important that you try to attend this week.
yegbike.info/events#calen...
#yegbike
yegbike.info/events#calen...
#yegbike
September 25, 2025 at 8:42 PM
I'll be there in spirit. Wish I could be there in person. My condolences to the community.
Reposted by Varina Crisfield
Bruce Fanjoy wins Battle River-Crowfoot by-election
Bruce Fanjoy wins Battle River-Crowfoot by-election
CAMROSE, AB - In yet another shocking electoral upset, Conservative leader and former Member of Parliament Pierre Poilievre has somehow been defeated once again in today's by-election by Liberal MP Br...
www.thebeaverton.com
August 18, 2025 at 9:29 PM
Bruce Fanjoy wins Battle River-Crowfoot by-election
I really want to vote in Australia.
And now, for some really important news, democracy sausage locations 😆
democracysausage.org/federal_elec...
democracysausage.org/federal_elec...
Democracy Sausage
A real-time crowd-sourced map of sausage and cake availability at Australian elections. It's practically part of the Australian Constitution. Or something. #demsausage
democracysausage.org
April 30, 2025 at 11:46 AM
I really want to vote in Australia.
Reposted by Varina Crisfield
Two fully-funded PhD scholarships @BangorUni
in conservation social science. Deadline 5th May. If you have conservation scientists, geographers, economists, sociologists in your network do share. Details in thread below (1/3)
www.bangor.ac.uk/conservation...
in conservation social science. Deadline 5th May. If you have conservation scientists, geographers, economists, sociologists in your network do share. Details in thread below (1/3)
www.bangor.ac.uk/conservation...
March 29, 2025 at 1:21 PM
Two fully-funded PhD scholarships @BangorUni
in conservation social science. Deadline 5th May. If you have conservation scientists, geographers, economists, sociologists in your network do share. Details in thread below (1/3)
www.bangor.ac.uk/conservation...
in conservation social science. Deadline 5th May. If you have conservation scientists, geographers, economists, sociologists in your network do share. Details in thread below (1/3)
www.bangor.ac.uk/conservation...