University of Waterloo Faculty of Environment

“Climate change poses a growing threat to winter sports and the cultural legacy of the Olympic Winter Games,” said professor Daniel Scott. “We found that warming temperatures and reduced snow reliability will shrink the pool of potential hosts for these global sporting events. The geography of the Winter Games is being altered by climate change and the future of this global celebration of sport will be strongly influenced by climate policy decisions over the next decade. While adaptation strategies like advanced snowmaking can reduce some impacts, they have clear limits.” Read more: https://lnkd.in/gM5gEqEF #ClimateChange #WinterOlympics #ClimateAction #ClimateCrisis #UWaterloo

The 2024 World Food Forum brought together global experts to tackle challenges in the agri-food system, from climate change to food security. University of Waterloo PhD researcher McKenzie Huneke shared insights on how emerging technologies can drive sustainable transitions, emphasizing inclusive innovation and the integration of traditional knowledge. Learn how collaboration and responsible innovation are shaping the future of global food systems. #Sustainability #AgriFoodInnovation #ClimateAction #FoodSecurity

Our Region is facing a housing crisis, characterized by decreasing housing affordability and insufficient supply of affordable housing. Alex Petric, a PhD candidate in the School of Planning, is researching housing and its influence on urban social capital formation, which focuses on how expanded housing options can help residents get and stay connected to their communities. In a recent article, Petric showed that the Region’s housing need is exceeding recent and upcoming housing projects. In addition, one-parent families and households with members beyond parents and children (such as grandparents) were far more likely to live in unsuitable, overcrowded housing. 🔗 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gFPSRyEH #GRADImpact University of Waterloo Faculty of Environment

Today, we pause to remember and honour the brave men and women who sacrificed so much for the freedoms we enjoy today. On Remembrance Day, we wear the poppy to pay tribute to their courage, their resilience, and their dedication. 🌹 #LestWeForget #RemembranceDay Read the Remembrance Day blog from Vivek Goel here: https://lnkd.in/gd4Kfi7P

"Modelling and visualizing crime patterns is a helpful tool for professionals like urban planners and police officers," notes Renan Cai, PhD candidate in the Faculty of Environment at the University of Waterloo. A recent study reveals that Toronto's business and entertainment districts experience higher assault and robbery rates on weekends and holidays, while northern residential areas see a decrease in breaking and entering, auto theft, and theft over $5,000 during these times. This research underscores the importance of tailored crime prevention strategies that consider both geographic and temporal factors. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gUxUeCEF

📰 'Doomsday' Antarctic glacier melting faster than expected, fueling calls for geoengineering 📰 Warming tidal currents are accelerating Thwaites Glacier, heightening concerns about sea level rise and sparking discussions on geoengineering as a potential climate change solution. "We were hoping it would take a hundred, 500 years to lose that ice. A big concern right now is if it happens much faster than that," says Dr. Christine Dow in the Department of Geography and Environmental Management. Read more: https://lnkd.in/g-jKac7E #UWaterloo

Urban planning and design offer an arsenal of highly effective strategies to improve climate change resilience. Yet, so far, much of this potential remains untapped. This week the UN-Habitat (United Nations Human Settlements Programme) published the World Cities Report 2024: Cities and Climate Action report. It outlines how to accelerate efforts to realize more sustainable and equitable urbanization and was co-authored by #UWaterloo's Dr. Luna Khirfan in the School of Planning. https://unhabitat.org/wcr/ #WorldCitiesReport #SustainableUrbanization #ClimateChange #GreenCities

Congratulations to Michael Wulder for winning the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Achievement award. This award is to recognize and honour alumni who finished their degree and have demonstrated outstanding professional achievement, proven community impact and significant contribution to sustainability. Mike is a senior research scientist at the Canadian Forest Service of Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) Under the supervision of Dr. Ellsworth LeDrew, Wulder developed statistical algorithms for remote sensing techniques in forestry. He is a renowned environmental scientist, has made significant contributions to environmental research and policy through his work with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration Landsat Science Team. His groundbreaking use of LiDAR and satellite imagery has revolutionized forest dynamics, enabling precise ecological health assessments and sustainable resource management practices. We are excited to celebrate Mike's achievements during our Environment Evergreen Banquet on November 14. Read more about Mike Wulder here: https://lnkd.in/gF4uKZsq

Join Dr. Andrea M. Collins for a panel discussion to celebrate the launch of her new book Gender and the Global Land Grab: A Feminist Global Governance Approach. Illustrating how gender shapes resource policy across all levels of political activity, this work provides valuable tools for transforming global policymaking. 📅 November 12 🕛 12:00 - 1:00pm 📌 Balsillie School of International Affairs Register here --> https://lnkd.in/gj58Ag25 #UWaterloo

Congratulations Frank Cairo for winning the 2023 Distinguished Alumni Achievement award. This award is to recognize and honour alumni who finished their degree who have demonstrated outstanding professional achievement, proven community impact and significant contribution to sustainability. Frank is the co-founder and CEO of the Caivan Group of Companies (Caivan Communities, ABIC - Advanced Building Innovation Company. Under his leadership, Caivan has established itself as one of Canada's largest land development and home-building companies. Frank has led a paradigm shift in community building, harnessing software innovation, AI, advanced manufacturing technologies, and automation. Frank's dedication to sustainability extends through and beyond his business. His company has invested in the Future Cities Initiative and the Future Cities Institute, University of Waterloo. Additionally, Frank and his wife have made remarkable contributions to various charitable organizations, demonstrating a strong commitment to improving healthcare, education, and social services. His journey from the University of Waterloo to industry leader highlights the importance of curiosity, grit, integrity, and continuous learning. We are excited to celebrate Frank’s achievements during our Environment Evergreen Banquet on November 14. Read more about Frank Cairo here: https://lnkd.in/gA3mYdCi