About the Interdisciplinary Centre on Climate Change (IC3)

Based at the University of Waterloo, IC³ provides a focal point for climate change research, information, and education. The Centre is an interdisciplinary hub with over 70 faculty members from all six University faculties and several external organizations, including Wilfrid Laurier University, Environment and Climate Change Canada, and Natural Resources Canada. 

IC³'s mission is to facilitate interdisciplinary research and education that empowers business, government and civil society to respond effectively to climate change and accelerate the transition to a low-carbon and climate-resilient society.

IC³'s history

The Centre was established in 2008 and became one of the University of Waterloo's Official Research Centres in the summer of 2018. IC³ was created to advance climate change research by bringing together faculty and students from different disciplines.

Membership

IC³ membership has more than doubled since its inception and expanded representation across departments, reflecting the deepening and broadening scope of climate change research at Waterloo.

Today, IC³'s members represent 18 departments and schools across all 6 faculties at the Univserity of Waterloo, 3 on-campus climate research groups (Partners for Action, Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation, Canadian Cryospheric Information Network), and 5 external organizations (Wilfrid Laurier University, Balsillie School of International Affairs, Centre for International Governance Innovation, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Natural Resources Canada).

If you are interested in becoming affiliated with IC³, please contact us. 

Climate change research and education

The goal of IC³ is to accurately assess the impact of climate change and develop stratgies for mitigation and adaptaion within five areas of research:

• atmospheric science,
• cryosheirc science, 
• human dimenions,
• observing systems and modelling,
• water, ecosystems, and biogeochemical cycling.

Recognizing the need for international education and professional training specific to climate change, IC³ was the catalyst for the development of the Master of Climate Change (MCC) program. This one-year, course-based program provides a unique educational experience to students interested in the many emerging career paths in climate change science, policy and management. 

IC³ sub-centres

IC³ expanded its scope through the establishment of a Senate-approved sub-Centre, the Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation (ICCA), in 2015 as well as its integration with the Canadian Cyrospheric Information Network/Polar Data Catalogue (CCIN/PDC) research group in 2016.