519-888-4567, ext. 43407
rbgibson@uwaterloo.ca
Environment 2, room 2018
Research Project Website
Whats the Big Idea?
Bob is engaged in several projects centred on applied sustainability. Many of these involve sustainability assessment as applied in particular projects and strategic undertakings in Canada and elsewhere. One current project is on application of sustainability-based next generation environmental assessment law and policy for Canada at the federal and provincial/territorial levels. That includes involvement in the ongoing evolution of federal assessment processes; work on integrating serious attention to climate change mitigation in assessments; and collaborations with Indigenous communities and other interests on decision making surrounding mining and other extractive industries activities in Indigenous traditional territories. Past studies include ones focused on integrating ecological stewardship, sustainable livelihoods and associated learning in UNESCO Biosphere Reserves and Model Forests/Forest Communities across Canada, and longstanding work on linking environmental assessment and planning.
For many years, Bob was editor or editorial board chair of Alternatives Journal, for which he wrote a column called, “What's the Big Idea?”.
He teaches courses on sustainability in a complex world, advanced environmental and sustainability assessment, and the historical development and present implications of sustainability-related ideas and practices.