Issue 7

Dean's Message

There are few silver linings to the intersecting crises of climate change and a global pandemic. However, in working publicly and behind the scenes with our Environment community I have seen our best and brightest step forward with leadership to meet this moment. It’s these stories we want to share in our seventh issue of ENVision.

Breaking ground to transform the cities of the future

Our equitable cities of tomorrow need the brightest minds of today. Meet the alumni whose support is bringing that future closer.

Alumni Frank Cairo and Troy van Haastrecht's philosophical, professional, and ethical passion to help build more thoughtful and purposeful cities of the future led to a groundbreaking $1 million donation to the Faculty of Environment — the Future Cities Initiative Δ Program.

Introducing: Class Notes

It’s the answer to the age-old question: what have you been up to? Read updates from classmates and fellow alumni – then submit one of your own for our next issue.

Imposter syndrome no more

New student-led initiative looks to connect and unite women scientists across campus

Vasundhara Saravade and Blessing Ajayi are launching Waterloo Women Leading Academia (WWLA), an organization connecting women in academia here on campus and empowering them in their day-to-day lives to raise-up female leaders in their personal and professional spheres.

If we achieve a green world that is still socially unjust, is that sustainable?

Dr. Julian Agyeman talks about how sustainability must go beyond environmentalism if we’re to build a sustainable future together.

In his talk, Just Sustainabilities In Urban Planning Policy and Practice, Dr. Julian Agyeman stressed that sustainability goes beyond environmentalism, touching on everything from food justice to human rights, to spatial justice. “If we achieve a green world that is still socially unjust, is that sustainable?”

2021 Jack Rosen pitch competition winners announced

11 teams of student entrepreneurs presented their ideas for sustainable businesses, find which ideas stole the show

From bioreactor technology to licencing for pilots to using virtual reality to explore and simulate the impact of their decisions and actions on coastal areas, our students pitched their ideas Dragon’s Den Style for a chance to win up to $5,000 in prize money.

Heart and the champions

Seeing a chance to lead a new generation of sustainability experts, three alumni classes have pledged their support for our students

To create more opportunities for future and hopes and dreams, the School of Planning alumni classes of 1981, 1990, and 1995 have generously provided three entrance scholarships with nearly $50,000 raised so far, which will support the next generation of students.

Building a bridge between individual and collective responsibility

Julie Wright plans on expanding national flood awareness as new director of Partners for Action (P4A)

New director Julie Wright joins Environment climate risk centre, Partners for Action (P4A), to help homeowners and businesses prepare for climate change nation-wide through research collaboration and raising awareness for flood danger and other climate hazards.

Our options to save the climate are becoming riskier

Massive engineering projects could reverse climate change and reduce poverty at once — but they are dangerous

Canada Research Chair Juan Moreno Cruz wants us to get real about the magnitude and timeframe of the climate challenge we face. With governments and industry moving too slowly, can big bold engineering ideas save us in the end?