The University of Waterloo Climate Institute brings together scientists and students to elevate and enhance the impact and excellence of innovative interdisciplinary research and education that empowers business, government and civil society to respond effectively to the climate crisis.
University of Waterloo’s unique combination of strengths and depth of expertise allows us to deal head-on with the complexity and interconnectedness of social, political and technological dimensions of the climate crisis.
Our expertise and focus
Our three core areas of research and innovation are developed through lenses of equity, justice, governance, and innovation to create truly impactful solutions for this existential global challenge.
News
National Forum Sparks Dialogue to Advance the Integration of Climate Education for Professionals
On April 8, 2025, the University of Waterloo Climate Institute hosted a national forum with nearly 200 participants to advance climate education in professional degree programs. Featuring keynote speaker Elizabeth (Shirt) Gamble, the event highlighted interdisciplinary teaching, applied learning, and student leadership. Key takeaways include boosting institutional collaboration, integrating climate-related topics into diverse curricula, and supporting climate champions. Part of the ACE project, the forum emphasized the need to embed climate education across disciplines to better prepare future professionals for climate challenges.
How are Canadian universities and colleges preparing the next generation of professionals to deal with climate change?
Researchers at the University of Waterloo examined how climate change education is being integrated into Accounting, Architecture, Engineering and Planning programs across Canada. This work provides a snapshot of the current status of climate change education and informs next steps for advancing integration into course curriculum. Led by the Waterloo Climate Institute, this research is part of a broader effort to accelerate climate adaptation education in professional degree programs.
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
Events
Climate and Disaster Risk Boot Camp
Interested in learning about climate and disaster risk, and how to apply these topics to your research and teaching?
Join Dr. Rodrigo Costa from Systems Design Engineering at the University of Waterloo and Dr. Jose Di Bella from Waterloo’s Climate Institute for a Climate and Disaster Risk Boot Camp.
In this half-day workshop, participants will be introduced to the basics of disaster and climate risk, climate risk assessment and catastrophe modeling, explore examples of research partnerships to develop new tools, solutions and capacity building, and share knowledge and network with colleagues.