Earth Day was first envisioned over 50 years ago, with efforts focused on addressing environmental issues through teach-ins and demonstrations, among other types of advocacy. While 2021 marks the second Earth Day during this pandemic, there are resources and virtual events to (un)learn, reflect, engage locally, and take action.
Virtual Events:
Tuesday, April 20, 1-2:30pm: ThisSocial Innovation Foundations & Futures event will celebrate and honour Frances Westley’s induction into the Order of Canada. It will also include a reflection from Melanie Goodchild, founder and Co-Director of the Turtle Island Institute and Faculty member of the Academy for Systems Change.
Tuesday, April 20, 7-8pm: Climate Change in Waterloo Region: What Should We Expect and What Do We Do About It? Hosted by the Kitchener Public Library, this panel discussion features Dr. Chris Fletcher and Dr. Johanna Wandel, Associate Professors in Geography and Environmental Management at the University of Waterloo.
April 20-22: Three days of action with Earthday.org beginning on April 20 with the global youth summit, which includes panels, speeches, discussions, and special messages with today’s youth climate activists including Greta Thunberg, Alexandria Villaseñor, and Licypriya Kangujam. In the evening on April 20, the Hip Hop Caucus and its partners will present the “We Shall Breathe” virtual summit. This digital event will examine climate and environmental justice, connecting the climate crisis to issues of pollution, poverty, police brutality, and the pandemic, all within a racial justice framework.
Monday, April 26, 12:15-1:15pm: Indigenous Environmental Justice, Knowledge and Law, with Dr. Deborah McGregor, Anishinabe, Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair: Indigenous Environmental Justice. Osgoode Hall Law School and Faculty of Environmental Studies, York University.
Local research with global impact:
Our options for saving the Earth are becoming riskier: Massive engineering projects could reverse climate change and reduce poverty — but they are dangerous, featuring research by Dr. Juan Moreno-Cruz
After the flood: 49 reasons your community may be more vulnerable: Canada’s first comprehensive flood risk model shows which communities are at greater risk of flood devastation over the long term, featuring research by Dr. Jason Thistlethwaite
Everything is going to change: Trekking the ends of the Earth to set a timetable for our climate emergency, featuring research by Dr. Christine Dow
Game Changer for Climate Science
A game changer for climate science: Waterloo launches virtual simulation to simplify and explore climate solution.
Illuminate is an educational simulation game where players explore solutions to the impacts of climate change. Play Illuminate!
The game was designed and developed by the University of Waterloo’s Interdisciplinary Centre on Climate Change (IC3) in partnership with the Games Institute. A multi-disciplinary team of students, staff, and faculty collaborated in the development of the game. Illuminate is presented in partnership with Protect our Winters and Hot Planet Cool Athletes.