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
Jennifer Clapp awarded the Canada Council for the Arts Molson Prize
Dr. Jennifer Clapp was recognized by the Canada Council for the Arts for her ongoing contributions to Canada’s cultural and intellectual heritage. Congratulations!
Eloise Fan earns top academic honour merging theatre and environment
ERS and Theatre student, Eloise Fan, reflects on how studying her twin passions led not only to a BES, but also to academic distinction.
Congratulations to SERS' undergraduate award winners
Join us in celebrating the outstanding ERS undergraduate students who have received awards for their academic achievements at the Spring 2025 convocation.
Blog
Beyond Borders' Ghana field school
Interested in seeing the world, while also building career and research skills?
Third year ERS student Jordan Wilton spent two months of the spring 2025 term studying environmental issues through the Beyond Borders: Field School in Ghana. Check out the blog and video diary Jordan created during the course.
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.