Jacqueline Harper, a virtual COP28 delegate with the Waterloo Climate Institute and a Master's student in Geography, shares how the tourism industry has planned to adapt and mitigate the current impacts of the changing climate in our most recent blog.
The Waterloo Climate Institute is pleased to announce that Dr. Juan Moreno-Cruz has been appointed Acting Executive Director for a 1-year term. Juan is Associate Professor at the School of Environment, Enterprise and Development (SEED) and the Canada Research Chair in Energy Transitions. He is also a CESifo Research Affiliate.
The University of Waterloo released the "Global Futures: Innovation Update", featuring Waterloo Climate Institute members, Amelia Clarke and Christopher G. Fletcher from the Faculty of Environment, and Dillon Browne from the Faculty of Arts. The publication entitled "The futures we imagine for humanity and our planet" shares insights into new and innovative research across disciplines.
Researchers at the University of Waterloo, led by Climate Institute member Claude Duguay have developed new tools using machine learning models to identify lake ice conditions with unprecedented accuracy. These tools will significantly advance climate change monitoring and public safety. By processing satellite radar altimetry data, the algorithm can differentiate between open water, thin ice, growing ice, or melting ice with 94% accuracy.
After attending COP 28 in December, Shahan Salim, a PhD candidate in Public Health shares his opinion piece on the role of observers and the need for advocacy of voices less heard at the annual global climate change conference. Salim was invited to give a statement at the closing plenary on behalf of research and non-governmental organizations. In his reflection, he explains the thinking behind the words shared on this global stage.
Amy Hall, a Masters of Climate Change Student interested in nature-based solutions for climate change problems reflects on her experience attending COP 28 virtually. She explores themes of biodiversity and regenerative agriculture as key efforts needed to progress on global climate action goals.
Jose DiBella, Adjunct Assistant Professor in Geography and Environmental Management and Waterloo Climate Institute delegate attended COP28 in Dubai in-person and shares his reflections regarding the success of the proceedings. A sprawling venue and over-subscribed pass system presented barriers for delegates to collaborate, however, Jose DiBella shares that COP28 remains a key element in a transition to low-carbon future
Kirsten Müller, Professor in Biology and Waterloo Climate Institute delegate who attended COP28 in Dubai, reflects on the lack of discussion of nature at the proceedings. December 9th was the thematic day at COP28 for Nature, Land Use and Ocean. Many of the conversations and capacity building in the side events, pavilions and final plenary were focused on nature-based solutions for climate change, conservation, preservation and recovery of biodiversity in critical marine and terrestrial habitats. The conversations ranged from, the need to engage with indigenous communities in small island states, to establishing marine protected areas (and how to finance these), to technologies to track and retrieve fishing gear that contribute to microplastics, and the need for sustainable fishing and shipping practices.
The first Tourism and Climate Change Stocktake report has been released by the Tourism Panel on Climate Change (TPCC) timed with the UN COP-28 Climate Conference. Its 24 key findings aim to support policymakers and the tourism industry in accelerating planning and investment toward low-carbon and climate-resilient global tourism.
University of Waterloo climate change and sustainable tourism expert Professor Daniel Scott was the co-lead, along with Professor Susanne Becken of Griffith University in Australia. The TPCC is a network of over 60 leading international tourism and climate experts from over 30 countries.
Waterloo Climate Institute member and University of Waterloo professor Dr. Amelia Clarke, launched a first-of-its-kind project helping Canadian cities transition to net zero. She envisioned a collaborative approach to tackling climate change. When the federal government announced its Climate Action and Awareness Fund, she asked the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, ICLEI Canada and other academics across Canada if they’d like to co-design a partnership together. They were successful in their bid and were able to secure $4 million for the project.