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
Kelsey Leonard's Christmas Tree Lab works with farms to advance sustainability initiatives
Kelsey Leonard leads the University of Waterloo Christmas Tree Lab which formalized a partnership with the Christmas Tree Farmers of Ontario (CTFO) in 2024. Their goal is to commit to joint research projects and outreach efforts aimed at developing sustainable initiatives to advance the resilience and growth of the Christmas tree industry.
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.
Blog
Using photography to express sustainability: ERS 318
ERS 318 Photography for Sustainability wrapped up another successful Open House on December 3, 2024. Twenty students took the course this year, drawn from five of the six UW faculties, and from all five academic units in the Faculty of Environment.
James Nugent reflects on teaching in Nanjing, China
Every year, professors from the Faculty of Environment travel to Nanjing, China to teach students at the Nanjing University of Finance and Economics (NUFE). SERS faculty member Dr. James Nugent shares his experiences from 2024.
Embracing emotion in environmental education
Beth Grant's MES research aimed to better understand students’ emotional experiences in post-secondary environmental education.