Environmental challenges can seem overwhelming. We’re constantly bombarded with news and information about air and water pollution, climate change, habitat and species loss, food shortages and other problems that threaten humanity. In the School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability (SERS), we understand the seriousness of these challenges – but we are focused on solutions that will allow us to navigate towards a sustainable future.
We invite you to explore our site to find out more about who we are, what we do and how to join us.
News
SERS PhD student among finalists in SSHRC 2025 Storytellers Challenge
Natasha Serrao, a SERS PhD candidate, was selected as a finalist in the 2025 SSHRC’s Storytellers Challenge. The SSHRC challenges postsecondary students nationwide to demonstrate, in up to three minutes or 300 words, how their research is positively impacting our lives, our world, and our future. Congratulations Natasha!
SERS PhD alumna honoured with CWP Alumni Achievement Award
SERS alumna Dr. Fabiola Alvarado-Revilla was awarded the 2024-25 Collaborative Water Program (CWP) Alumni Achievement Award in recognition of her outstanding achievements in her professional career and in community service.
SERS research on caribou foraging informs conservation
The Torngat Mountains, located in northern Labrador, are home to the Torngat Mountain Caribou herd. Alex Johnson, a recent Master of Environmental Studies graduate from SERS supervised by Dr. Andrew Trant, studied the past, present, and future state of this herd.
Blog
We need to halt and reverse biodiversity decline globally and in Canada
In an article published in The Conservation, Trevor Swerdfager and Derek Armitage argue that Canada urgently needs ambitious new biodiversity law if we are to make meaningful progress in addressing the biodiversity crisis facing Canada today.
Fossil fuels and our food systems
Fossil fuels are widely used all across the economy, including in food systems. Dr. Jennifer Clapp has been working with colleagues on a new project that seeks to uncover where we rely on fossil fuels in our food system to assess where and how we can shift away from them. In one podcast episode, she walks through fossil energy use associated with a typical bag of corn chips.
Kelsey Leonard reflects on the support and solidarity of women
For International Women’s Day, Dr. Kelsey Leonard reflects on the solidarity and support she receives from the women in her Shinnecock community, why it’s important to uplift women in academia and what advancements she would like to see in the future.