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    • Home
    • Academics and Research
    • Research and Innovation
    • Research Strengths
    • Environmental Sustainability

    Research Strengths
    • Environmental Sustainability
    • Health and Well-Being
    • Governance and Policy
    • Indigeneity, Decolonization, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
    • Business, Innovation, Mathematics and Technology
    • Society, Culture and Community

    Environmental Sustainability Research

    ·ï»Ë²ÊƱƽ̨ researchers develop strategies to mitigate and adapt to environmental change. By integrating scientific, Indigenous and local knowledge, policy analysis and community engagement, we inform evidence-based decision-making, promote resilience, protect Indigenous rights, ensure wise resource management, and safeguard the well-being of ecosystems and communities.

    Learn more in the ·ï»Ë²ÊƱƽ̨ Strategic Research Plan 2025-2030.

    Supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals


    SDG goal 2: Zero Hunger
    SDG 2: Zero Hunger
    SDG goal 3: Good Health and Wellbeing
    SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being
    SDG goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
    SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
    SDG goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
    SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
    SDG goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
    SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
    SDG goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
    SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
    SDG goal 13: Climate Action
    SDG 13: Climate Action
    SDG goal 14: Life Below Water
    SDG 14: Life Below Water
    SDG goal 15: Life on Land
    SDG 15: Life on Land

    Highlights

    ·ï»Ë²ÊƱƽ̨ researchers have worked for decades in Canada’s North, with a particular focus on the Northwest Territories, where we maintain a longstanding partnership with the territorial government and research facilities in Yellowknife.

    The is a platform for change, using food systems as a lens to protect biodiversity, enhance community resilience in the face of climate change and improve food security.

    Researchers at the (VERiS) strive to be catalysts toward cultures of sustainability and climate justice.

    Research Strengths

    Climate change and cumulative impacts

    By analyzing the effects of environmental stressors, including climate change and industrial development, on ecosystems and communities, this work informs evidence-based decision-making, promoting resilience and sustainability in the face of a changing climate.

    Aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems

    Studies focus on the impacts of climate change, habitat fragmentation and pollution, informing strategies to conserve biodiversity, protect Indigenous rights and promote sustainable resource management.

    Environmental, climate and sustainability justice

    This research area recognizes that the most vulnerable members of society often experience the worst effects of global climate change and environmental degradation, and also have less means to adapt. By highlighting and addressing these disparities, researchers aim to develop knowledge, policies and practices that ensure a fair and equitable distribution of environmental benefits and burdens, ultimately promoting social equity and environmental sustainability for all communities.

    Sustainable food systems

    Researchers focus on developing agricultural practices and food distribution networks that ensure food security and nutrition for all without compromising the economic, social and environmental resources needed for future generations.

    Water science

    Water science involves studying the physical, geochemical, biological and societal aspects of the hydrological cycle. Focusing on regions such as the Northwest Territories and the southern Great Lakes, researchers tackle critical issues including competition for water access and the sustainability of healthy aquatic ecosystems.

    Sustainable cities and communities

    This research contributes to making cities and other forms of human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable, including work on green infrastructure, developing low-carbon resilience, urban agriculture and the impacts of migration.

    Contaminants, pollutants and toxicology

    Research in this area investigates the sources, fate and effects of harmful substances on ecosystems and human health.

    Resource management, sustainability and policy

    Collaboration with stakeholders and Indigenous communities focuses on sustainable resource extraction, protected and conserved area policy, planning and management, and policy analysis to balance conservation with development.

    Advancing Indigenous-led land stewardship and climate policy

    Through meaningful collaboration with communities, this research aims to empower Indigenous land stewardship practices by integrating Indigenous knowledge with modern climate policy.

    Decision-making for sustainability

    By integrating sustainability into government and private decision-making processes, this field seeks to promote long-term economic viability while fostering a positive impact on the environment and society.

    Sustainable chemistry

    Sustainable chemistry is a scientific approach focused on designing and manufacturing chemical products that consider their entire lifecycle. This discipline aims to maximize the efficient use of natural resources while developing products and processes that minimize environmental impact and protect human health.

    Related Content

    Research Chairs

    • Canada Research Chair in Forests and Global Change
    • Canada Research Chair in Global Adversity and Well-Being
    • Canada Research Chair in Global Political Ecology
    • Canada Research Chair in Northern Sustainable Food Systems
    • Canada Research Chair in Northern Wildlife Biology
    • Canada Research Chair in Remote Sensing of Environmental Change
    • Chair in Insurance
    • Jarisolowsky Chair in Sustainable Water Futures
    • John McMurry Research Chair in Environmental Geography
    • ·ï»Ë²ÊƱƽ̨ Distinguished Research Chair in Aquatic Sciences
    • ·ï»Ë²ÊƱƽ̨ Research Chair in Cold Regions Hydrology

    Research Centres and Institutes

    • Cold Regions Research Centre

    Graduate Programs

    • Biological and Chemical Sciences (PhD)
    • Geography (MA, MES, MSc, PhD)
    • International Public Policy (MIPP)
    • Social Justice and Community Engagement (MA)

     

    Latest News

    Feature Image
    Alison Blay-Palmer named ·ï»Ë²ÊƱƽ̨’s 2025-26 University Research Professor
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    ·ï»Ë²ÊƱƽ̨ research finds Canadians more likely to engage with nature if prescribed by a doctor
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    First-ever ‘zombie’ fire field data suggests overwintering may not be as destructive as predicted
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    Wading into Water Science: ·ï»Ë²ÊƱƽ̨'s AquaSONG Project
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    Black excellence in STEM: Student researchers gain valuable lab experience at ·ï»Ë²ÊƱƽ̨
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    ·ï»Ë²ÊƱƽ̨ honoured for sustainability education at QS Reimagine Education Awards
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    ·ï»Ë²ÊƱƽ̨ professor Alison Blay-Palmer leading UN panel of experts creating resilient food systems report
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    CN donation supports experiential learning opportunity in ecological monitoring, habitat restoration fieldwork at ·ï»Ë²ÊƱƽ̨
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    Eight ·ï»Ë²ÊƱƽ̨ graduate and postdoctoral researchers win prestigious Weston Family Awards in Northern Research
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    Federal government invests $7.8 million in ·ï»Ë²ÊƱƽ̨ research collaboration to increase northern food production
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