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
New technical brief highlights impact of urban stream daylighting for climate adaptation and mitigation
A new technical brief from the Waterloo Climate Institute led by Luna Khirfan is showcasing lessons from Seoul’s Cheonggyecheon and Zürich’s Bachkonzept to explore the potential urban stream daylighting – the practice of uncovering culverted streams and restoring them to the surface – as a nature-based solution.
University of Waterloo researchers launch ULYSSES Climate Intelligence
University of Waterloo researchers are turning years of climate risk and adaptation research into real-world solutions with the launch of ULYSSES Climate Intelligence. The AI enabled platform is designed to help organizations better anticipate climate risks, strengthen supply chains and make more informed decisions.
New policy brief series shares stories from migrant, settler and Indigenous communities
A new series of policy briefs led by the Just Transitions Collective highlights a new approach to strengthening community-policy relationships, drawing on the experiences of communities in Phoenix, Bogotá and Toronto.
Events
Climate pedagogy across the curriculum: approaches for higher education
Join the Waterloo Climate Institute and partners for a hands-on interdisciplinary workshop to explore the what’s, why’s and how’s of climate emotions and climate pedagogy.
Local Climate-Resilient Buildings Tour
Step beyond the classroom and experience climate-ready building design firsthand. Students from all disciplines are welcome to join the Waterloo Climate Institute for a guided bus tour of innovative low-carbon, climate-resilient buildings in the Waterloo community.