The University of Waterloo Climate Institute brings together the research community and partners to advance strategic research and capacity building priorities at the local, national, and international scales. Our work empowers business, government and civil society to respond effectively to the climate crisis.
Based at the University of Waterloo, the Climate Institute harnesses a unique combination of strengths and depth of expertise to enhance the impact and excellence of innovative interdisciplinary research and education, and to deal head-on with the complexity and interconnectedness of social, political and technological dimensions of climate change.
Our key focus areas:
RESEARCH
Strategic research development and management across priority research areas (deep decarbonization and sustainability transitions, climate risks, resilience and adaptation; and climate science, modelling and observation).
TRAINING AND CAPACITY BUILDING
Supporting climate action through targeted professional development opportunities and the integration of climate education in academic programs.
KNOWLEDGE SHARING
Informing decision makers in policy, practice and innovation through tailored reports, briefs, facilitated workshops, data visualization, media engagement, and partnerships.
Learn more about the work at the Waterloo Climate Institute:
Municipal Climate Adaptation Certificate
Discover the Waterloo Climate Institute's new professional development opportunity, the Municipal Climate Adaptation Certificate. This forward-thinking initiative is funded by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and is designed specifically for municipal staff who are looking to strengthen their climate resilience skills.
News
Celebrating Women in Environmental Leadership
Four Faculty of Environment members reflect on International Women's Day, sharing their thoughts on the importance of equality, leadership, and community support in their fields. They emphasize the need for recognition of women’s contributions, especially in water protection, politics, leadership, and sustainability. Their hope for the future is to create more diverse, inclusive environments where women are empowered in decision-making, leadership, and academic spaces
Waterloo Leverages Climate Expertise to Lead Climate Adaptation Training for Municipalities
The Waterloo Climate Institute received funding from FCM’s Green Municipal Fund to launch a training program for municipal employees focused on climate adaptation. The program, set to begin in 2026, will offer a certificate combining online and in-person learning. It includes climate risk assessment, adaptation strategies, and equity-driven approaches. The program aims to equip municipal workers with the skills and knowledge needed to implement climate resilience plans and build stronger, more resilient communities in response to climate change.
Waterloo Members Honoured with King Charles III Coronation Medal
Several University of Waterloo community members have been awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal for their significant contributions to Canada and beyond. This prestigious medal, granted to 30,000 individuals, recognizes excellence in education, public health, climate adaptation, Indigenous knowledge, and freshwater sustainability. Recipients include Dr. Vivek Goel, Dr. Blair Feltmate, Dr. Geoffrey T. Fong, Myeengun Henry, and Dr. Philippe Van Cappellen, all of whom have made lasting impacts in their respective fields.