Blog

Prof. Stephen Quilley’s project ‘Embodied Technics in an Age of Automation: Craft Practice, Skill, and the Transformation of Work’ received funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC).

The question at the heart of the project relates to the future of hands-on craftwork in a world increasingly dominated by A.I., the 4th industrial revolution, the ‘Internet of Things’ and technologies such as 3D Printing. 

Dr. Mathieu Feagan writes about the Just Transitions project and its report and case studies. The project brought into relation three distinct contexts where migrant, settler and Indigenous communities are confronting displacement, extraction, environmental injustice, and the consequences of top-down policy in different ways. 

The accompanying Just Transitions from the Bottom-Up reports offer a closer look at what emerged through these exchanges.

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.

Dr. Leah Jones-Crank reflects on the spring 2025 field trip course which explored the complexity of urban sustainability through a case study of Singapore. As the 10-day field course progressed, the 20 students and two instructors engaged their critical thinking skills to reflect on the environmental, social, and economic connections within Singapore.