News

Researchers from the University of Waterloo and Seneca College, including Olaf Weber environment professor and Waterloo Climate Institute member, have developed a new grading system for waste that could divert a billion pounds of clothes and other fabric items from landfills. The new method will evaluate an item’s quality from A to F and whether it can be resold, recycled or tossed. In testing this method, they found that more than half of textile waste in Canada could be reused and almost a quarter could be recycled. 

Recent studies suggest that flares in oil and gas fields are considerably less efficient than previously thought, a discrepancy that could be responsible for additional annual emissions equivalent to those produced by up to 8.8 million cars in the United States alone. To help tackle this urgent problem, a research team led by Dr. Kyle Daun, an engineering professor at the University of Waterloo and Waterloo Climate Institute member, is working with a sophisticated infrared camera to more accurately measure how well flares convert methane into CO2. In the future, he and the team hope to include other institute members like Dr. Maria Strack and Dr. Laura Hug to use the technology for measuring methane emissions in wetlands and landfills.

Recently returned from Egypt, Dr. Zahid Butt, shares his experience attending COP27 for the first time and how observing the conference aided his understanding of the complexity and collaboration required to address climate change.

PhD candidate Isra Saeed and master’s student Alexandra Ho share their experiences as part of Waterloo’s delegation at the United Nations climate change conference, COP27. 

Isra Saeed, Waterloo COP27 delegate, has returned from Egypt and shares what it means to uphold climate justice, how the conference did/did not deliver the commitments needed, and reflects on what continues to bring her hope.

On November 24, the Government of Canada released Canada’s National Adaptation Strategy: Building Resilient Communities and a Strong Economy. They also announced an investment of $1.6 billion in new federal funding commitments to help increase adaptation efforts. Six Waterloo Climate Institute members played an invaluable role in the creation of the strategy, participating in four of the five expert advisory tables.

The Government of Canada has announced new federal funding of over $585,000 for a research project that will examine how much flooding will cost in the future and how public policy can contribute to Canada’s resilience to climate change. This project, completed as a partnership between l'Université du Québec à Montréal, the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC), the Université Laval and the University of Waterloo, builds on Dr. Daniel Henstra and Dr. Jason Thistlethwaite’s previous work with Canada's Task Force on Flood Insurance and Relocation.

Environment and Climate Change Canada has announced $15.8 million to six University of Waterloo research projects to identify solutions to environmental challenges. The research led by seven Waterloo Climate Institute members will support building a sustainable net-zero emissions in Canada by 2050.

Waterloo COP27 delegate, Alexandra Ho, has returned from Egypt and provides insight into the shifting conversation dynamics, trending topics and priorities that she witnessed at this year’s climate change negotiations. She shares her reflection and key takeaways, and reminds us of the humanity and connection centered in the work of pursuing a net-zero future.

As the negotiations have wrapped up, we look back on three significant contributions by Waterloo Climate Institute members at COP27 including accelerating climate resilient tourism, advancing insights in climate law and governance, and launching evidence for action on peatland conservation, restoration, and management.