Environmental challenges can seem overwhelming. We’re constantly bombarded with news and information about air and water pollution, climate change, habitat and species loss, food shortages and other problems that threaten humanity.
In the School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability (SERS), we understand the seriousness of these challenges. But we are equally focused on solutions, and on offering the degree programs, skills and knowledge needed to protect, restore, reform and transform the social and ecological systems that we all depend on.
What will an ERS degree mean for you? It means the opportunity to get your boots dirty and participate in hands-on learning in classes, co-op jobs, field work opportunities, and research projects.
It means integrating ecology and social sciences, and connecting practical skills in ecosystem monitoring and restoration, with environmental policy analysis, impact assessment and collaborative decision making.
And it means working with faculty that are nationally and internationally recognized for their expertise in biodiversity conservation and restoration, food systems sustainability, water governance, climate change and energy transitions, and in understanding the politics of social change.
In SERS, we believe it’s possible to navigate to a more sustainable future. Our mission is to help chart that course, and our programs will prepare you for environmental careers with purpose and impact.
Reach out to find out more about our academic programs, the exciting careers available to our graduates (check out our careers page!), and our award-winning research. We hope you’ll join us!
News
Eloise Fan awarded Linda Carson Interdisciplinary Award for BES thesis
Eloise Fan was awarded the Linda Carson Memorial Interdisciplinary Award for her BES thesis entitled "Performing arts and climate change: Addressing climate anxiety with forum theatre."
Kelsey Leonard's Christmas Tree Lab works with farms to advance sustainability initiatives
Professor Kelsey Leonard leads the University of Waterloo Christmas Tree Lab which formalized a partnership with the Christmas Tree Farmers of Ontario (CTFO) in 2024. Their goal is to commit to joint research projects and outreach efforts aimed at developing sustainable initiatives to advance the resilience and growth of the Christmas tree industry.
Jennifer Clapp discusses Canadian food systems on The Agenda
SERS Professor Jennifer Clapp participated in a panel discussion on TVO’s The Agenda with Steve Paiken on the theme of whether Canada has a monopoly problem in its food system.
Blog
We need to halt and reverse biodiversity decline globally and in Canada
In an article published in The Conservation, Trevor Swerdfager and Derek Armitage argue that Canada urgently needs ambitious new biodiversity law if we are to make meaningful progress in addressing the biodiversity crisis facing Canada today.
Fossil fuels and our food systems
Fossil fuels are widely used all across the economy, including in food systems. Dr. Jennifer Clapp has been working with colleagues on a new project that seeks to uncover where we rely on fossil fuels in our food system to assess where and how we can shift away from them. In one podcast episode, she walks through fossil energy use associated with a typical bag of corn chips.
Kelsey Leonard reflects on the support and solidarity of women
For International Women’s Day, Dr. Kelsey Leonard reflects on the solidarity and support she receives from the women in her Shinnecock community, why it’s important to uplift women in academia and what advancements she would like to see in the future.