Blog

Henri Chevalier, a SERS PhD student, writes that “Farmers are facing a cost squeeze as seeds, fertilizers, machinery and land become more expensive. In Canada, the value of machinery per farm rose … a 35-fold increase even after inflation.” 

In an article in The Conversation, Chevalier notes that many farms have to keep getting bigger just to survive, and that this growth imperative is unsustainable, for the environment and for farmers themselves.

Ocean conservation efforts are often guided by ambitious global targets, from protecting 30 per cent of marine and coastal areas to advancing the United Nations Ocean Decade goals. But new thinking co-authored by Derek Armitage and published in The Conversation argues that targets alone are not enough to ensure meaningful progress.

A new paper led by SERS PhD student Mackenzie Jones in Dr. Chantel Markle’s Lab takes a global look at how researchers are studying the interactions between ecology and hydrology, an interdisciplinary field known as ecohydrology. Find out how we can advance wildlife ecohydrology research and how it can help guide future conservation and management efforts. There's a wonderful infographic which communicates the information as well.

Have you considered the environmental impacts of industrial tequila production?

While many consume the beverage, in Jalisco State in Mexico, the region’s ecosystems are being destroyed and replaced by a uniform crop that is prone to pest outbreaks.

Prof. Brendon Larson and colleagues outline several issues with industrial production of tequila and highlight a shift to the more traditional use of mezcal.

After a period of time in an administrative role, Dr. Ian Rowlands returned to the rhythm of being a 'regular' professor. He offered a brand new, experiential learning course on "Energy and Society in Ontario" which comprised classroom and field trip instruction.

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.

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.

A thirst for water knowledge brought Isabel Jorgensen ‘across the pond’ to Waterloo to undertake PhD studies in water in an interdisciplinary setting.

A photography-based study with Conservation Halton and SERS researchers offered a practical, low-cost engagement method with community members to reflect on connections to Hamilton Harbour and their support for local conservation initiatives culminating with a well-attended exhibition of the photos.

Samantha Terry (BES '25), an Ojibwe student from Temagami First Nation, shares her inspiring journey of reconnecting with her Indigenous identity while thriving in co-op roles and building community at the University of Waterloo.