Researchers tackle climate and water challenges at annual SOLUTIONSCAPES meeting

Project explores climate solutions at the nexus of nature, food, and water

By Nancy Goucher, Knowledge Mobilization Specialist, Water Institute

On October 21-22, 2024, researchers from the Solutionscapes project gathered in Waterloo for their third annual meeting to discuss efforts to support Canada’s transition to a net-zero future while enhancing water quality, ecosystem integrity and human well-being.

The team shared recent scientific progress in three key areas:

1. Wetlands: The team is refining historical wetland maps of the Prairie Pothole Region to identify areas with the highest potential for restoration. In Ontario, they're studying factors that influence how well restored wetlands retain nutrient runoff and are quantifying greenhouse gas emissions from these wetlands.
2. Bioenergy: Researchers are exploring how anaerobic digesters can better manage manure and food waste in Ontario. This effort aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve water quality by evaluating socio-economic and environmental trade-offs, and using models to design economically viable and optimized systems of digesters in southern Ontario.
3. Sustainable Farming: The team is investigating how sustainable farming practices can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and nutrient leaching while maintaining agricultural productivity. Recent work includes analyzing the impact of improved fertilizers on emissions and assessing the trade-offs of cover cropping systems.

“Policymakers in Canada’s agricultural regions are looking for ways to tackle the climate crisis while balancing multiple objectives like food production, water protection, and community values,” said Nandita Basu, Principal Investigator of the project. “Our research will provide them with options to reduce emissions, enhance carbon sequestration, secure water resources, promote ecosystem sustainability, and build resilience.”

The project brings together an interdisciplinary team of 21 faculty and research associates from five universities, 10 Highly Qualified Personnel (HQP) including graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, and 10 collaborating partner organizations. These partners represent civil society, government, and agricultural outreach organizations, ensuring a broad impact across sectors.

“Collaboration across disciplines and with end users leads to new insights and innovations,” said Nancy Goucher, Knowledge Mobilization Specialist at the Water Institute. “It’s key to producing practical results that can address landscape-level challenges in today’s complex world.”

As part of the meeting, one of the project’s HQP discussed her efforts to develop a multi-part series of micro-podcasts that help contextualize the Canadian response to current climate challenges, with optimism. “My goal is to provide a channel where academics can engage the public, share findings, and showcase solutions developed by the Solutionscapes project,” said Charlotte White, a research assistant at the University of British Columbia. Her podcast should be released shortly and will be available on the SOLUTIONSCAPES website.

The team also participated in a tile-making workshop at the Clay and Glass Museum. “Exploring our creative side allowed us to think about our work differently and see connections between research projects,” said Tyler Hampton, a post-doctoral fellow focused on wetland restoration.

Tiles from the tile-making workshop at the Clay and Glass Museum.

SOLUTIONSCAPES is funded by the Government of Canada Climate Action and Awareness Fund, an investment of up to $206 million over five years to support Canadian-made projects that help reduce Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions.

To learn more about the project and receive regular updates, please visit www.solutionscapes.ca.