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
Opinion: Canada needs a community rating system to tame rising flood costs
Flooding is already Canada’s most costly natural hazard, and the threat is only growing. Climate change, aging infrastructure and unrestrained development in flood-prone areas have left millions of Canadians vulnerable.
Transforming 'business as usual' for a sustainable future
Marking its final chapter, the global research network TRANSFORM celebrates partnerships, research and a lasting legacy.
New Advisory Opinion Serves as Key Legal Tool for Advancing Climate Action
Nancy Tapias Torrado, the newest member of the Waterloo Climate Institute, is part of a team of researchers that contributed to the “Advisory Opinion on Climate Emergency and Human Rights” of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights – a landmark decision on the obligations of States in the face of the climate emergency.