The University of Waterloo Climate Institute brings together scientists and students to elevate and enhance the impact and excellence of innovative interdisciplinary research and education that empowers business, government and civil society to respond effectively to the climate crisis.
University of Waterloo’s unique combination of strengths and depth of expertise allows us to deal head-on with the complexity and interconnectedness of social, political and technological dimensions of the climate crisis.
Our expertise and focus
Our three core areas of research and innovation are developed through lenses of equity, justice, governance, and innovation to create truly impactful solutions for this existential global challenge.
News
Celebrating Women in Environmental Leadership
Four Faculty of Environment members reflect on International Women's Day, sharing their thoughts on the importance of equality, leadership, and community support in their fields. They emphasize the need for recognition of women’s contributions, especially in water protection, politics, leadership, and sustainability. Their hope for the future is to create more diverse, inclusive environments where women are empowered in decision-making, leadership, and academic spaces
Climate Con 2025: Building Hope and Community in Building Resilience in a Changing Climate
Climate Con 2025 brought together over 100 changemakers to tackle climate anxiety and foster community. Keynote talks, workshops, and a student poster showcase encouraged hope, resilience, and collective action. The event emphasized personal empowerment, creative climate solutions, and building lasting connections to inspire ongoing efforts for a sustainable future.
Waterloo Leverages Climate Expertise to Lead Climate Adaptation Training for Municipalities
The Waterloo Climate Institute received funding from FCM’s Green Municipal Fund to launch a training program for municipal employees focused on climate adaptation. The program, set to begin in 2026, will offer a certificate combining online and in-person learning. It includes climate risk assessment, adaptation strategies, and equity-driven approaches. The program aims to equip municipal workers with the skills and knowledge needed to implement climate resilience plans and build stronger, more resilient communities in response to climate change.
Events
Climate and Disaster Risk Boot Camp
Interested in learning about climate and disaster risk, and how to apply these topics to your research and teaching?
Join Dr. Rodrigo Costa from Systems Design Engineering at the University of Waterloo and Dr. Jose Di Bella from Waterloo’s Climate Institute for a Climate and Disaster Risk Boot Camp.
In this half-day workshop, participants will be introduced to the basics of disaster and climate risk, climate risk assessment and catastrophe modeling, explore examples of research partnerships to develop new tools, solutions and capacity building, and share knowledge and network with colleagues.