Environment

A balsam fir for its sweet fragrance or a white pine for its soft needles?

Picking a real Christmas tree is a beloved tradition for many and a proven environmentally friendly choice. But as our climate changes, tree growers are having to adapt to new conditions from shifting seasons to the arrival of unfamiliar pests. While the challenges are significant, innovation is growing.

The world has converged on Belém, Brazil’s gateway to the Amazon, to sharpen climate commitments and move from promises to implementation. It’s all happening at the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).  

In 1968, experts warned that hundreds of millions of people would die of starvation. Yet, as Sir Andrew Steer reminded the audience of this in his TD Walter Bean Public Lecture, the grim prediction never came true. Instead, as the world’s population doubled, food production tripled. An outcome that was far from accidental.  

How do we meet our growing energy needs while balancing reliability, affordability and the environment? It’s one of the greatest modern challenges we face. One that alum Humberto Gutierrez (BES '15), now based in San Diego, California, has been at the forefront of throughout his career at Sempra Infrastructure; a company that develops and operates energy infrastructure that is expected to play a crucial role in the energy systems of the future.

Although modest in size, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have a massive impact on the Canadian economy. Their owners employ 90% of the Canadian private-sector workforce and make up most of the companies in Canada. But beyond business, these entrepreneurs are increasingly recognized as key actors in driving social, economic and environmental value for community well-being both in Canada and around the world.

Service and generosity run deep in the Waterloo community, inspiring countless acts of impact both on and off campus. From participating in opportunities like the Environment Leadership Series to initiatives that reach well beyond Ring Road, alumni are making a difference for people and the planet. We caught up with Susan Brown (BES '08), Michael Hazell (BES '77), Maria Legault (BES '11; MES '14), Ryan Lo (BES '14) and Betty Rozendaal (BES ’83; MA ’87) to learn what motivates them to give their time and talents so generously through their work and volunteer activities.

Through traditions, legends and beloved characters, Waterloo fosters belonging, connection and pride within its vibrant community

New research challenges gender bias in aviation performance using eye-tracking technology and flight simulation

Waterloo partners with Bruce Power and Enbridge to enhance energy literacy among undergraduate students

Waterloo’s Intact Centre on Climate Adaption provides actionable solutions for Canadians and policymakers despite a news cycle dominated by climate disaster risk