News

We are very excited to announce that applications are open for the new South Africa Field Course: Biodiversity, Climate Change and Social Justice (ENV 474)! This interdisciplinary field course integrates a range of science and policy perspectives and field-based interactions to understand South Africa’s Cape region as a dynamic and linked system of people and nature. Interested Faculty of Environment undergraduate students must apply by January 19, 2024 to be considered for the course. 

Bordering Lake Erie and extending to all of Norfolk County, the Long Point Biosphere is home to the world’s longest freshwater sand spit formation and a host of other unique natural settings. To explore collaboration in education, public outreach, and research on sustainability, conservation, and the protection of biodiversity, the School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability and the Long Point Biosphere Region Foundation have signed a letter of intent setting out a framework to pursue new projects together.

Wondering what your classmates have been up to? Find out who's been promoted, launched a new project, published a book or started a family. Catch up, then submit an update of your own for the next issue of Class Notes. 

A new paper co-authored by experts from the University of Waterloo and presented at the United Nations climate conference (COP28) recommends leaders to support youth-led innovations, emphasizing the need to continue greening education systems and empower young entrepreneurs.

As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Region of Waterloo, a regional municipality that epitomizes resilience and progress, we recognize the pivotal role of forward-thinking urban planning and environmental management in shaping the destiny of urban areas. Our Future Cities Initiative amplifies the importance of embracing cutting-edge solutions that seamlessly integrate technology, sustainability, and social inclusivity.

The Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Aeronautics (WISA) has released its 2022-23 Annual Report, which celebrates champions of sustainability across the air transport sector.

The Royal Canadian Geographical Society annually presents the Massey Medal to honour those who have contributed to the exploration, development or description of Canada’s geography. This year's award recognized Dr. Ellsworth LeDrew, geographer, climatologist and remote sensing specialist. Dr. LeDrew has made major contributions to the understanding of the changing climate in the Arctic and has spearheaded an Arctic data management system that is available to both scientists and citizens.

Congratulations to Dr. Daniel Scott who has been named on Clarivate's annual Highly Cited Researchers™ 2023 list recognizing influential scientists and social scientists worldwide who have made significant contributions to their fields.

Anshikha Kumar, graduate student in the Master of Development Practice (MDP) program, attended the Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) UN Climate Week 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. She reflects on her experience as a youth delegate and what she learned.

Nguénar Yacine Cissé, graduate student in the Master of Development Practice (MDP) program, attended the Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) UN Climate Week 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. She reflects on her experience as a youth delegate and what she learned.