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Waterloo’s Dr. Julie Messier investigates how plant species in Québec’s temperate forests adapt to climate change. Her research shows that traits like shallow roots and high leaf mass help some plants thrive, while others decline. These findings are vital for predicting future changes and conserving Canada’s forests.

On September 17, 2024, the Faculty of Engineering and the Climate Institute hosted an engaging talk by Dr. Magnus Gålfalk, whose work bridges the gap between astronomy and climate science. Dr. Gålfalk, a professor and researcher, captivated the audience with his presentation on innovative optical methods for detecting greenhouse gas emissions—a topic that is increasingly critical as the world seeks better ways to monitor and mitigate climate change. 

The Healing Forest Exhibit at UW educates on urban forests’ roles in reconciliation, featuring case studies and promoting understanding and commitment to decolonization. It runs until December 5 and will later be managed by the WAMPUM Lab as a traveling exhibit.

The University of Waterloo’s Inclusive Resilience Project, led by Partners for Action (P4A), focuses on equitable community resilience against climate risks. Collaborating with the Canadian Red Cross and funded by Public Safety Canada, the project developed a Social Vulnerability Index (SoVI) to map socio-economic vulnerabilities and inform targeted flood risk reduction efforts. This initiative highlights the importance of integrating social vulnerability into disaster management to protect Canada’s most at-risk populations.

The University of Waterloo, in collaboration with the Waterloo Climate Institute, hosted a community lecture addressing climate misinformation. The event highlighted how false information hampers climate action and explored strategies to build public trust in science. Panellists emphasized the importance of accurate information and community engagement in combating climate change.

As the cost of flood damage rises, property insurance becomes more costly for Canadians. Currently, over 10% of Canadians cannot get flood insurance. Research suggests that sharing data on flood-risk management between insurers and local governments could lead to more affordable insurance. A Climate Institute member calls attention to the benefits of sharing data and highlights that ignoring this gap will worsen the situation following one of the worst years for insured losses in Canadian history.  

“Nature-based solutions, like increasing vegetation and tree canopies, are crucial in urban settings for cooling,” Crank explains. “It's essential to tailor these solutions to local climates, as what's effective in one region may not work in another. Additionally, engineered shade structures, such as bus stop shelters and fabric shade sails, also play a significant role in mitigating heat impacts.”

A School of Public Health Sciences research team, co-directed by Drs. Craig Janes and Warren Dodd, is to receive more than $1.5 million through the federal government’s New Frontiers in Research Fund, which supports interdisciplinary and transformative research led by Canadians working with international partners. 

The Climate Pedagogy Symposium brought together educators from higher education institutions across the Waterloo region to share innovative approaches to climate change education (CCE). Hosted collaboratively by the Waterloo Climate Institute at the University of Waterloo, Conestoga College, and Wilfrid Laurier University, the event facilitated discussions on decolonizing CCE, active learning strategies, reflective and reflexive teaching, interdisciplinarity, and addressing climate emotions. 

A project with Waterloo Climate Institute Executive Director, Sarah Burch, launched a new pilot experimental project using field research data on community disaster risk and strategies to explore visualizations of possible futures using digital design and augmented reality. The pilot will explore different facets of transformation due to global environmental change and extreme weather events.