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
Two SERS members contributing to newest IPCC report
SERS faculty members Dr. Vanessa Schweizer and Dr. Andrew Trant are among the group of climate researchers who will be working on the IPCC's Seventh Assessment Report. This report will help shape the next global scientific assessment that will guide world leaders from climate promises to action.
Jennifer Clapp named to 2025 Highly Cited Researchers™ list
Dr. Jennifer Clapp has been named to the 2025 Highly Cited Researchers™ list for significant contributions to her field of research. This list recognizes only one in 1,000 researchers from around the world. Congratulations Jennifer!
Ian Rowlands to serve as new Associate Dean, Graduate Studies
Dr. Ian Rowlands has agreed to serve as the Faculty of Environment's next Associate Dean, Graduate Studies. He takes over from Dr. Peter Deadman on September 1, 2025.
Blog
Decision-making on national interest projects demands openness and rigour
Prof. Bob Gibson urges the federal government to assess the benefits, risks and uncertainties of proposed national interest projects openly and thoroughly before granting pre-approvals.
Assessment and scenarios for the Ring of Fire area
Prof Bob Gibson presents background on regional assessments taking place for the Ring of Fire area – the northern Ontario’s hot prospect mining area improbably named after a 1960s Johnny Cash song.
Despite all the hurry-up moves, the extent and timing of any Ring of Fire mining remains anyone’s guess.
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.