For over 50 years the Faculty of Environment has been dedicated to having a positive impact locally and globally. Our community of students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors and industry partners make meaningful change happen in the classroom, the office, and in communities around the world, together. Our vision is to use our unique position as a leading teaching and research institute for the environment to create sustainable solutions needed to address the complex challenges facing our world.
Departments and schools
Our five departments and schools offer environmental education from all angles and their activities are enhanced by our two support units: Environment Technology & Instructional Support and the Ecology Lab.
Research excellence
Today, sustainability is a driver of modernization and profound changes are taking place in society as the pace of technological change accelerates, environmental concerns reach crisis levels, and demands for justice intensify. These changes provide an imperative to focus our research on the world’s most pressing challenges.
TD Walter Bean Professorship
Building the knowledge and skills necessary for society to address complex environmental issues, the TD Walter Bean Professorship aims to attract top international research professors on the environment to campus to give public lectures, teach classes, and meet with professors and students.
Discover your story in Environment
Join the global movement advocating for a greener, more sustainable world. Get outdoors and protect vulnerable ecosystems. Command a boardroom and make environmentally responsible business decisions. Design livable communities close to home, or work toward economic global equality. How do you want to leave your eco-friendly mark on the world?
Your scholarship and funding opportunities
Your community
We know that our students are among the best and brightest, and our staff and faculty are here to help you to continue to grow and succeed. Find out about the current student resources, supports and services that are available to you.
News
COVID-19 didn’t stop city climate action
In a first-of-its-kind study, researchers from the Faculty of Environment and Imperial College London conducted a global analysis of COVID-19 impacts on cities’ climate actions and finance. They found that cities reported increased climate action compared to decreased climate action due to COVID-19, yet the opposite was true for climate finance with more cities reporting reduced rather than increased finance.
Tundra warming unleashes surprising carbon release
A new study published in Nature finds large stocks of carbon in tundra soils might release four times more carbon due to climate warming – changing them from carbon sinks into a carbon source. A team of over 70 scientists, including Maria Strack in the Department of Geography and Environmental Management, conducted the first-of-its-kind study.
Environment students propose solutions for issues impacting Waterloo region
At the Community Wealth Lab’s final convening, Environment students presented solutions to local systemic issues affecting the Region of Waterloo. From housing affordability to accessibility, transportation and food security, there were some transformative ideas.
Events
MCC 10-year program anniversary
This year marks a special milestone for the Master of Climate Change (MCC). It's your 10-year anniversary. Reunite with classmates and celebrate an incredible decade of impact.
Planning 1974, 50-year class reunion
This year marks a special milestone for the Planning class of 1974, your 50-year class reunion! Join your classmates and friends for a fun weekend visiting old haunts.
Planning 2019, 5-year class reunion
The Planning Class of 2019 is marking a special milestone; their five-year Class Reunion! Join your classmates and friends for a fun weekend visiting old haunts.