Staff

Kwaku Owusu Twum, an Environment student and member of the Student Climate Council at the University of Waterloo, is making significant strides in agriculture with his startup, Mapmate. Alongside co-founder Daniel Buston Yankey, Twum aims to connect small-scale farmers with food manufacturers through a digital platform that enhances communication and collaboration. Inspired by his experiences in Ghana, where climate variability impacts food security, Twum's vision empowers farmers with data analytics and innovative tools, even in areas with limited internet access. His recent win at the Velocity Pitch Competition underscores Mapmate's potential to transform agricultural practices and improve livelihoods.

Three Climate Institute members are among nine researchers at the University of Waterloo who have been awarded $7.5 million in funding to support their research as part of the illustrious Canada Research Chairs (CRC) program.  

Daniel Scott, Climate Institute member and professor from the Faculty of Environment, looked at 93 cities and regions around the world that have previously hosted Olympics and Paraolympics and revealed a stark decline in climatically reliable sites as global warming continues. Only 52 locations that previously hosted an Olympic Winter Games will remain climate-reliable by the 2050’s, and just 46 by the 2080’s. 

A new policy brief from the Waterloo Climate Institute emphasizes the urgent need for Canada to adopt a national strategy for marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR). As international negotiators discuss marine pollution control, mCDR emerges as a vital option for Canada to meet its 2050 net-zero emissions goal. The brief outlines strategies for research, development, and regulation of mCDR, highlighting its potential to complement broader climate efforts. It stresses the importance of public engagement and calls for a coordinated regulatory framework to ensure responsible deployment and alignment with international commitments.

Lauryn Margarit’s journey from justice services to climate advocacy highlights the link between equity and environmental issues. At the John Howard Society in 2023, she saw how wildfires disproportionately affected homeless populations, fueling her passion for environmental justice. This led her to pursue a Master of Climate Change at the University of Waterloo, where she deepened her understanding of climate impacts on marginalized communities. Her studies and experience prepared her for a role as a policy analyst with Environment and Climate Change Canada, focusing on making federal climate data accessible to enhance community resilience. As she graduates, Margarit is committed to continuing her work in climate policy.

As global leaders gather at the 16th Convention on Biological Diversity (COP 16) in Cali, Colombia, a new brief by University of Waterloo and Climate Institute researchers underscores the importance of nature-based solutions (NbS) in addressing climate change and biodiversity loss. Authored by Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger and colleagues, the brief highlights how protecting, managing, and restoring ecosystems can mitigate climate risks and conserve biodiversity. It advocates for Indigenous-led conservation and stronger policies to protect critical ecosystems like peatlands and wetlands. The brief urges the development of a National Nature-Based Solutions Strategy to position Canada as a leader in NbS.

Researchers at the University of Waterloo have been awarded $2.5 million by NSERC and SSHRC to develop sustainable bioprocesses that convert waste materials, such as plastics and CO2 emissions, into valuable products. This funding is part of the National Science Foundation Global Centers initiative. The project, led by Dr. Christian Euler, involves 40 researchers from 18 institutions and aims to reduce pollution and promote a circular economy. The interdisciplinary team will leverage synthetic biology, carbon capture, and material science to create next-generation bioprocesses, while also training future scientists and policymakers.

Over the past year, the Waterloo Climate Institute has collaborated closely with Southwestern Public Health (SWPH), which serves the regions of Oxford County, Elgin County and the City of St. Thomas, to identify critical climate-related health risks in the region. Using the latest climate change projections and focusing on the most vulnerable populations, the resulting report lays out recommendations to enhance preparedness and resilience in tackling these challenges in the region. 

Droughts in Brazil and Vietnam have pushed coffee prices up 80%, causing concern among roasters. The impact of climate change is making these extreme weather events more frequent, potentially leading to higher coffee prices for consumers. Experts warn that the situation could worsen if climate trends continue.

Waterloo’s “Solving the Crisis” series highlights research addressing six global challenges, including climate change and digital privacy. Experts propose innovative solutions, emphasizing the importance of research, collaboration, and sustainable practices to create a brighter, more equitable future.