Sustainable Futures

Waterloo researchers, students and alumni tackle challenges through cross-disciplinary collaboration, developing creative solutions with global impact.

You’re familiar with Waterloo’s iconic inventions like BlackBerry and OpenText, and those mentioned in our 10 inventions you didn’t know came from Waterloo — but you spoke, and we listened. Our readers helped us uncover even more groundbreaking innovations from this vibrant community that continue to shape industries worldwide.

Home to the largest  Faculty of Environment in Canada, Waterloo has catalyzed environmental innovation, solutions and talent for 50 years.  

For many years, our researchers have been responding to the climate crisis with purpose-driven research and sustainable technologies to help design policies that will protect our environment and support a sustainable future.  

For years, you've been warned about "Frankenfoods" lurking in your grocery store, but what if everything you thought you knew about GMOs (genetically modified organism) was wrong? Despite overwhelming scientific consensus on their safety and benefits, genetically modified foods remain one of the most unfairly villainized innovations in modern agriculture.

Dr. Talena Atfield
Professor, History
> Canada Research Chair, Tentewatenikonhra'khánion

Dr. Talena Atfield’s work to restore and regenerate Hodinohso:ni cultural knowledges starts with the title of her Canada Research Chair: Tentewatenikonhra’khánion, which translates to “We Will Put Our Minds Together.”

Dr. Leia Minaker
Professor, School of Planning
> Future Cities Institute

Cities drive the global economy and are home to vibrant and diverse communities. Yet they’re also facing complex challenges. From rising housing costs and aging infrastructure to climate change, the disruptive impacts of technology and an aging population, the need to address overlapping issues has never been higher.

The new guide, Getting Nature into Financial Reporting, authored by the University of Waterloo's Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation, and supported by the Standards Council of Canada, KPMG LLP and Natural Assets Initiative, was developed with over 120 experts across the country. The guide outlines how local governments of all sizes can start integrating nature into their financial reports today.