Accelerating the transition to a just, resilient, low-carbon future

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

“Nature-based solutions, like increasing vegetation and tree canopies, are crucial in urban settings for cooling,” Crank explains. “It's essential to tailor these solutions to local climates, as what's effective in one region may not work in another. Additionally, engineered shade structures, such as bus stop shelters and fabric shade sails, also play a significant role in mitigating heat impacts.”

A School of Public Health Sciences research team, co-directed by Drs. Craig Janes and Warren Dodd, is to receive more than $1.5 million through the federal government’s New Frontiers in Research Fund, which supports interdisciplinary and transformative research led by Canadians working with international partners. 

The Climate Pedagogy Symposium brought together educators from higher education institutions across the Waterloo region to share innovative approaches to climate change education (CCE). Hosted collaboratively by the Waterloo Climate Institute at the University of Waterloo, Conestoga College, and Wilfrid Laurier University, the event facilitated discussions on decolonizing CCE, active learning strategies, reflective and reflexive teaching, interdisciplinarity, and addressing climate emotions. 

Events