Wednesday, August 10, 2022

Accounting for diversity: Exploring the inclusivity of recreation planning in the United Kingdom’s protected areas

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A new study by University of Waterloo’s Faculty of Environment researchers, Rachael Edwards and her supervisor, Waterloo Climate Institute member Brendon Larson, found there is an increased opportunity for inclusivity in recreation planning for Protected Areas. 

Protected Areas provide many benefits to visitors, including mental and physical health and environmental knowledge. However, the study found that many socio-demographic groups, such as those with disabilities and minority ethnic communities, are underrepresented among visitors to Protected Areas due to institutional barriers. The study explored the links between management approaches and access disparities in the United Kingdom by examining governing documents for the United Kingdom Protected Areas and surveying managers, which lead to recommendations for improvement.  

Learn more about Brendon Larson's work and discover more about the study on Waterloo News. 

Brendon Larson photo

Brendon Larson

Professor, School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability; Associate Dean, Undergraduate Studies

Brendon Larson's research interests are rethinking the conservation of biodiversity in the context of global change, social dimensions of biodiversity conservation, and metaphor, environmental science and society.

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Friday, July 22, 2022

New report identifies 10 financial actors can accelerate a transition away from fossil fuels

A new report by University of Waterloo researchers, Truzaar Dordi and IC3 member Olaf Weber, found that the top 10 most influential actors, including investment advisors, governments, and sovereign wealth funds from around the world, own 49.5 per cent of potential emissions from the world's largest energy firms. Their work outlines the decisive role they can play in helping de-carbonize our future. Read the full story on Waterloo News and check out the article in the Journal Environmental Innovation and Societal Transitions.