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
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
Climate Con 2025: Building Hope and Community in Building Resilience in a Changing Climate
Climate Con 2025 brought together over 100 changemakers to tackle climate anxiety and foster community. Keynote talks, workshops, and a student poster showcase encouraged hope, resilience, and collective action. The event emphasized personal empowerment, creative climate solutions, and building lasting connections to inspire ongoing efforts for a sustainable future.