Miswar Syed, a virtual COP28 delegate and a master’s student in the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, illustrates the topic of recently established funds, goals and more. In his reflection, he elaborates on significant outcomes from the launch of new funds and the implications of them.
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.
Viv Maclean is a Data Specialist and Fatima Patka is an undergraduate Co-op research assistant at the Waterloo Climate Institute. Check out their bios.
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.