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:
Discover the Waterloo Climate Institute's Municipal Climate Adaptation Certificate. This forward-thinking professional development opportunity 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
“Metabolism of Islands”: A Deep Dive into the Path to Small Island Resilience
Can a small island truly achieve sustainability? This is the provocative question that Dr. Simron Singh, professor in the School of Environment, Enterprise and Development, explores in his new documentary “Metabolism of Islands”.
New Technical Brief Explore the Importance of Infrastructure and Implications for Risk and Resilience on Small Island Developing States (SIDS)
A new technical brief from the Waterloo Climate Institute is urging policymakers to consider the full cycle of material use and associated services delivered by critical infrastructure —the “stock-flow-service” nexus—to ensure long-term sustainability and resilience for Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
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.