News

Ashoke Mohanraj (BES ’21) is an emerging leader shaping the intersection of environmental law, policy, and education. From advocating for climate justice on international platforms to inspiring young readers through his bestselling books, Ashoke’s interdisciplinary approach demonstrates how creativity, resilience, and civic engagement can drive meaningful change. Discover how his journey from the classroom to the courtroom is lighting the way for a sustainable future. He is the 2025 Recent Alumni Inspiration Award winner.

For over a decade, Co-operators and Farm Mutual Re have partnered with the Faculty of Environment to advance flood preparedness and climate adaptation across Canada. Through applied research, innovative tools, and student mentorship, they are helping communities build resilience to climate hazards. Their collaboration demonstrates how industry and academia can work together to create lasting, equitable impact. They are the 2025 Friend of the Faculty Award winner.

The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) has announced Dr. Peter Crank as one of this year’s recipients of the John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF). He will receive $78,000 for his project: Addressing urban (over)heating in a warming climate.

Under bright autumn skies and the buzz of conversation, the Faculty of Environment community gathered on the EV3 Green for its annual Fall Food Truck Social; a celebration of connection, conversation, and great tastes.

Presenting the most comprehensive global scientific evaluation of food systems to date, the 2025 EAT-Lancet Commission released its report on Healthy, Sustainable, and Just Food Systems. Dr. Jennifer Clapp, professor in the School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability, is a contributing author to the report, having worked on the justice section.

It is with great sadness that we share the news of Dr. Larry Martin’s passing, a professor in the School of Planning.

Advancing research around the themes of water security, gender-based violence and neglected health and illness in vulnerable populations in Sub-Saharan Africa, Dr. Susan Elliott was elected by her peers for her outstanding scholarly achievements. This recognition by the RSC is the highest honour in the Arts, Social Sciences, Humanities, and Sciences.

Dr. Larry Swatuk, professor in the School of Environment, Enterprise and Development, has retired after 17 impactful years at the University of Waterloo. A globally recognized scholar in natural resource management and international development, Larry helped shape key academic programs and brought a spirit of energy and collaboration to the Faculty of Environment. His leadership and legacy will continue to influence generations of students and researchers.

The Faculty of Environment is pleased to announce that Dr. Ian Rowlands has been appointed Associate Dean, Graduate Studies, effective September 1, 2025. He succeeds Dr. Peter Deadman, who is beginning a sabbatical after three years of dedicated leadership.

We are honoured to welcome Sir Andrew Steer as the 2025 TD Walter Bean Professor in Environment. This fall, he will join the Faculty of Environment to deliver two compelling lectures exploring how leaders, innovators, and citizens can rise to meet the world’s most urgent environmental challenges — for nature, our cities and for our shared future.