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 equally focused on solutions, and on offering the degree programs, skills and knowledge needed to protect, restore, reform and transform the social and ecological systems that we all depend on.
What will an ERS degree mean for you? It means the opportunity to get your boots dirty and participate in hands-on learning in classes, co-op jobs, field work opportunities, and research projects.
It means integrating ecology and social sciences, and connecting practical skills in ecosystem monitoring and restoration, with environmental policy analysis, impact assessment and collaborative decision making.
And it means working with faculty that are nationally and internationally recognized for their expertise in biodiversity conservation and restoration, food systems sustainability, water governance, climate change and energy transitions, and in understanding the politics of social change.
In SERS, we believe it’s possible to navigate to a more sustainable future. Our mission is to help chart that course, and our programs will prepare you for environmental careers with purpose and impact.
Reach out to find out more about our academic programs, the exciting careers available to our graduates (check out our careers page!), and our award-winning research. We hope you’ll join us!
News
Using alpaca waste to design new compost
Post-doctoral scholar Augustine Kwame Osei leads the Ecosystem Dynamics Research Group's research which is combining alpaca waste with biochar to design a new compost that helps people and the planet.
Jennifer Clapp discusses Canadian food systems on The Agenda
SERS Professor Jennifer Clapp participated in a panel discussion on TVO’s The Agenda with Steve Paiken on the theme of whether Canada has a monopoly problem in its food system.
PhD student's research highlights role of community members in understanding our environment
Transforming everyday citizens into environmental agents, SERS PhD student Jess Kidd identifies community members as the secret to increased understanding of our environment.
Blog
Great co-op experiences in the Great Lakes
In an interview with Waterloo's Co-operative Education, third-year ERS student Putri Cullinane discusses her work experience in government and non-profits roles, along with strategies for maintaining well-being in the face of eco-anxiety.
ERS 102 course redesign
Brendon Larson reflects on his approach to the redesign of the first year course, ERS 102 “Sustainability and the Really Long View”, for the winter 2024 term, including challenges that he faces.
Success in the Greenbelt
SERS master's student Rosalind Synder has been collecting positive stories related to land in Ontario's Greenbelt. A favorite is the Alderville Black Oak Savannah project initiated by Mississauga Anishinaabeg biologist and artist Rick Beaver and managed by the Alderville First Nation. The project centres on restoration of a rare Tallgrass Prairie and Savannah ecosystem. Since its start over 20 years ago, the Alderville Black Oak Savannah has been almost fully restored. In addition to ecological restoration, the project ensures community access to traditional foods and medicinal plants.