Workshop

Virtual Workshop (ACE Project): Resources for Climate Change Education across the Postsecondary Curriculum

Natalie Smith — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 10:47:43 +0000

Virtual Workshop (ACE Project): Resources for Climate Change Education across the Postsecondary Curriculum Natalie Smith Thu, 09/04/2025 - 06:47

The Climate ��ݮ��Ƶ Institute is hosting a virtual workshop to explore climate change teaching/learning resources for postsecondary instructors in Canada, with a particular emphasis on professional degree programs such as engineering, planning, architecture and accounting.

This event is part of the Climate Institute's Accelerating Climate Education project funded by Natural Resource Canada's Climate Change Adaptation Program. Join us for this interactive session and connect with colleagues from across the country.

Please register using the form below:

Municipal Climate Adaptation Certificate Virtual Information Session

Natalie Smith — Fri, 22 Aug 2025 13:59:27 +0000

Municipal Climate Adaptation Certificate Virtual Information Session Natalie Smith Fri, 08/22/2025 - 09:59

Join the ��ݮ��Ƶ Climate Institute for the official launch of the new Municipal Climate Adaptation Certificate - a forward-thinking initiative tailored for municipal staff and elected officials across Canada. Led by the Climate Institute team, this 60-minute webinar will introduce the certificate's structure, highlight key learning outcomes, and feature insights from the Climate Institute team and municipal leaders already engaged in climate-resilience initiatives.

Who should attend: Municipal employees

What you will learn:

Why climate adaptation is critical for municipalities now
How the new certificate fills a gap in municipal training
A preview of the course modules and flexible learning format
Opportunities to apply learning in real-world municipal contexts
How to apply and register for courses

Designed for professionals working in municipalities across Canada, this certificate provides practical skills and knowledge to strengthen local climate resilience. Learn how this certificate can advance your career and help your municipality lead on climate adaptation.

Registration is now open: Please register via Zoom.

This project is carried out with funding from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Green Municipal Fund and the Government of Canada.

Climate and Disaster Risk Boot Camp

Natalie Smith — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 17:02:58 +0000

Climate and Disaster Risk Boot Camp Natalie Smith Wed, 04/02/2025 - 13:02

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 ��ݮ��Ƶ and Dr. Jose Di Bella from ��ݮ��Ƶ’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.

The workshop is co-hosted by the Department of Systems Design Engineering.

Date: Tuesday April 29

Time: 9AM-12PM

Location: Pearl Sullivan Engineering Ideas Clinic (E7-1427)

Who should attend: The workshop is tailored to faculty members, but students are welcome to join.

Speakers

Rodrigo Costa, Assistant Professor, Systems Design Engineering

Rodrigo Costa is an assistant professor at the Department of Systems Design Engineering at the University of ��ݮ��Ƶ. Rodrigo's research investigates how communities' physical, economic, and social systems interact to create disaster risk and exacerbate socioeconomic and racial inequalities. Beyond academic boundaries, he has collaborated with emergency managers, urban planners, resilience officers, and insurance companies to advance the state of knowledge in disaster risk and subsequently distill that knowledge down to decisions that foster urban resilience.
Rodrigo works in the interface between engineering, planning, and social sciences. His research focuses on developing high-fidelity, high-detail regional risk models to simulate the impact of disasters on urban communities. He is interested in object-oriented models, agent-based simulation, hazard and exposure modelling, machine learning, optimization, and multi-stakeholder decision-making to inform urban resilience planning. Rodrigo received the 2021 Best Graduate Paper Award from the Earthquake Engineering Research Institute for his contributions to the holistic simulation of disaster impacts on communities.

Jose Di Bella, Manager of Research and Partnerships; Adjunct Assistant Professor, Geography and Environmental Management

Jose Di Bella is the manager of research and partnerships at the ��ݮ��Ƶ Climate Institute. Jose works closely with the Institutes’ researchers, partners and collaborators to advance community engaged research. He also leads the Institute’s research development strategy and knowledge mobilization programs. Jose’s experience includes a significant international focus on the social and economic aspects of climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction, as well as the design and implementation of climate and sustainability strategies. Jose is also an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the department of Geography and Environmental Management.

Climate Science Bootcamp with Peter Crank

Connor Khoja — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 15:54:50 +0000

Climate Science Bootcamp with Peter Crank Connor Khoja Thu, 10/31/2024 - 11:54

Are you interested in teaching about climate change but feel like you don’t have enough background in climate science?

Join Dr. Peter Crank, a climate scientist from U��ݮ��Ƶ’s Climate Institute and Faculty of Environment, for a lively and interactive "Climate Science Boot Camp" designed for university and college instructors. This workshop is designed to help participants get comfortable with the basics of climate science, debunk climate myths, and find a safe space to ask questions. Engage in discussion with instructors from ��ݮ��Ƶ, Laurier, and Conestoga about what students need, explore how climate change can enrich various disciplines, and chat about how to navigate emotions like hope and despair in your teaching.

After the boot camp, you’re invited to join us at the Grad House for informal conversation and networking—because learning is always better with great company!

Date: Thursday, December 5, 2024

Time: 1-3PM

Location: EV3 4408

Who should attend: Faculty and Grad Students in teaching roles

Speaker: Peter Crank

Assistant Professor, Faculty of Environment

Peter J. Crank is a Climate Institute member and an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Environment. As an urban geographer and climatologist who received his PhD in Geography from Arizona State University (ASU), he studies urban climate and impacts of neighbourhood scale urban design on microclimates and human health. His work has centered in hot cities, including Singapore and Phoenix as well as mid-sized cities of the US Southern Plains. Peter has a B.S. degree in broadcast meteorology (television) from Mississippi State University (MSU) before pursuing degrees in applied climate and geography at MSU (M.S.) and Ph.D. (ASU).

Peter’s research seeks to address questions of modelling urban spaces to understand the impact urban climate mitigation strategies have on the thermal environment as well as on all facets of human health (from physical heat stress to psychological disorders). His work has spanned across several U.S. cities in the Sunbelt, including Jackson (MS), Houston (TX), Phoenix (AZ), and Los Angeles (CA) in addition to work in Singapore. His research team focuses on the impacts of a changing climate for individuals and the local environment.

Growing Food as Climate Action Social

Elanor Waslander — Mon, 03 Jun 2024 16:41:24 +0000

Growing Food as Climate Action Social Elanor Waslander Mon, 06/03/2024 - 12:41

Join the ��ݮ��Ƶ Climate Institute and GreenHouse for a walking social! Participants will learn about different gardens and food growing initiatives on campus while munching on some local snacks.

Starting at the Shatitsirótha' (sa-di-gee-ROW-da) ��ݮ��Ƶ Indigenous Student Centre garden near United College!

When: Wednesday, June 12 - 2:00PM-3:45PM

Where: Meet outside at United College (rain or shine)

Details: Participants will be able to visit campus gardens and food growing initiatives while visiting:

Shatitsirótha' (sa-di-gee-ROW-da) ��ݮ��Ƶ Indigenous Student Centre garden
United College Indigenous garden
Sustainability Office Community garden
North Campus Community garden

At each stop, participants will learn about each initiative, engage in dynamic activities, support the gardens with active gardening, and snack on local produce to get inspired.

*Please note this is a walking tour and participants will be asked to walk from garden to garden (est. 30 min walking)

Join GreenHouse and ��ݮ��Ƶ Climate Institute for an interactive series that looks at food as climate action.

May 23: Strawberry Social - Join GreenHouse and the Climate Institute for a strawberry planting and social workshop. Each participant will take home a strawberry seedling to care for. We will explore the significance of the strawberry from the Haudenosaunee teachings and share a strawberry drink to celebrate spring.
June 12: Growing food as Climate Action Social - Participants will learn about different gardens and food growing initiatives on campus. Starting at the Shatitsirotha (sa-di-gee-ROW-da) four medicines garden and the United College's Indigenous garden, then onto two community gardens! Enjoy local snacks along the way!
July 18: Food as Climate Action Social - This interactive social will allow participants to learn, share, and socialize while learning about food insecurity and food deserts as well as Indigenous local land in the ��ݮ��Ƶ Region. Meet people, enjoy snacks, connect!
September 14: Eat Local: Tour & Shopping at the Kitchener Market – This event will take participants to the Kitchener Market for a tour of the market and an opportunity to buy local seasonal veggies and food.

Design Thinking for Climate Action: Innovation Skills Workshop

Elanor Waslander — Wed, 07 Feb 2024 15:34:22 +0000

Design Thinking for Climate Action: Innovation Skills Workshop Elanor Waslander Wed, 02/07/2024 - 10:34

When: Friday March 1st, 2024 at 11:30AM-1:30PM

Where: United College - GreenHouse - UTD-164

Facilitators: Lily Viggiano, Malak Sameh, and Alexis Windatt

**Pizza lunch will be provided for all participants**

Participants will be asked to fill out a pre- and post- workshop survey and receive a $10 digital gift card for each completed survey.

Description: Join this Innovation Skills Workshop co-hosted by the ��ݮ��Ƶ Climate Institute Climate Leaders’ program and GreenHouse Changemaker Labs to address climate change. In small groups, participants will explore the design thinking principles and will ideate solutions and recommendations for campus climate action! GreenHouse staff and student innovators will facilitate this process, with concrete opportunities to launch ideas you might develop.

Who should attend? Any U��ݮ��Ƶ student interested in learning more about design thinking and innovation skills. In addition, anyone interested in learning more about both the Changemaker Labs program and the Climate Leaders' program should join this workshop.

Climate Action for Health & Health Action for Climate

Elanor Waslander — Tue, 02 Jan 2024 16:21:15 +0000

Climate Action for Health & Health Action for Climate Elanor Waslander Tue, 01/02/2024 - 11:21

When: Wednesday, January 24th at 3:00PM to 4:30PM
Where: ��ݮ��Ƶ Centre - Black and Gold Room

Join the ��ݮ��Ƶ Climate Institute and a diverse panel of faculty, staff and students from the Faculty of Health for a lively discussion on how climate change impacts health and health care practices, and how health can also contribute to a more climate resilient future.

Sharon Kirkpatrick

Associate Professor, School of Public Health Sciences, University Research Chair

Sharon Kirkpatrick studies nutrition,food policy, the environmental sustainability of current eating patterns, food environments, and food access among marginalized populations.

Warren Dodd

Assistant Professor, School of Public Health Sciences

Warren Dodd's research interests are in social and ecological determinants of global health and development, migration and health, community food security, healthcare and social service access, and climate change and health.

Myeengun Henry

As Indigenous Knowledge Keeper, Elder Henry provides strategic leadership to the Faculty of Health and our response to the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action. He collaborates with the Office of Indigenous Relations and with the Faculty of Health community, and identifies and contributes to building reciprocal and respectful relationships with Indigenous individuals and communities.

Aline Priscila de Souza

Aline is a Brazilian student in the Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program. Her research delves into the intricate links between respiratory illnesses in children and environmental factors like air pollution, seasonal variations, and humidity. With a keen focus on homes in North America, especially Canada, she explores the impact of heatwaves on indoor environments.

Huda Nasir

Huda is a 4th year co-op student majoring in Kinesiology and English. She has an always had a passion for climate activism and a newfound interest in health research. She loves making friends and talking to new people, so join her breakout session to discuss climate action in health care.

Josalyn Radcliffe

Josalyn is a PhD candidate in Public Health, researching at the intersection of well-being, food, and biodiversity through an exploration of relationships with non-human life within local food systems in Ontario. As chair of the Ontario Nurses for the Environment Interest Group of the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario, she worked with the group on awareness-building, policy advocacy, and direct action to address the climate crises and intersecting social and environmental issues. Through this work, she has partnered with many environmental organizations to drive policy changes that protect and promote the ecological determinants of health.

Climate Leaders 101

Natalie Smith — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 17:24:32 +0000

Climate Leaders 101 Natalie Smith Mon, 08/14/2023 - 13:24

Join the ��ݮ��Ƶ Climate Institute and Sustainability Office on September 13th for Climate Leaders 101, a workshop and information session that gives students the opportunity to discover climate-related training, programming and opportunities on campus, network with like-minded students and share ideas for future climate-related events and workshops.

Open to ��ݮ��Ƶ students from all faculties and disciplines. Snacks, coffee and tea will be provided. Drop-ins welcome!

The workshop and info session will run from 11:30am-1:00pm in the Dana Porter Learning Lab (3rd floor).

Climate Leaders 101 is part of our Climate Leaders Program. Learn more about the program and the Student Climate Council.

Please note that registration is now closed for this event.

Sustainable lifestyle

Chantal Vallis — Thu, 05 May 2022 13:08:56 +0000

Sustainable lifestyle Chantal Vallis Thu, 05/05/2022 - 09:08

Join IC3's Climate Students on May 26-27 for their Sustainable Lifestyle event! It aims to bring students and community members together to learn about implementing sustainable practices into their everyday life, such as sustainable meal planning, fashion choices and food waste.

Virtual workshops on May 26

Climate Friendly Food Choices | 10 - 11 a.m.

Facilitator: Nicole Pin, MAN, Registered Dietitian (she/her) from University of ��ݮ��Ƶ 2025 ��ݮ��Ƶ
Description: Get insight on what ‘climate friendly’ means when it comes to food and food choices. Participants will learn about making informed food decisions as it pertains to environmental impact and food waste. Topics will include understanding life cycle and carbon footprint, sustainable food choices, reducing good waste and advocating for sustainable food systems. Participants will set a climate friendly food goal at the end of the workshop.

Taking Climate Action: One Footprint at a Time | 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Facilitator: Jenna Phillips (she/her), WUSA Sustainability Coordinator
Description: Learn about the WUSA Sustainability Project (WSP), like Campus Compost and the WUSA Thrift Store. The project aims to connect students from across all faculties to raise awareness about environmental issues and advance sustainability on campus, and in students' everyday lives.

Everyday Alternatives for Food Waste | 4 - 5 p.m.

Facilitators: Bethany Helaine Potl, Iman Asad, and Sheridan Hill from University of ��ݮ��Ƶ's Campus Compost
Description: Campus Compost is a student-run compost initiative on campus focusing on managing organic waste and spreading awareness for sustainable and zero-waste lifestyles.

Garden Planning & Companion Planting | 5 - 6 p.m.

Facilitators: Divya Sarin and Anam Rahman from Maison Verte
Description: Want to learn how to grow your own food? Join Maison Verte to learn how!

In-person at STC 2002 on May 27

Mending Workshop | 1 - 3 p.m.

Facilitator: Amaryah DeGroot, student in the school of Environment, Enterprise and Development at U��ݮ��Ƶ
Description: Learn simple techniques to extend the life and add personality to your clothes. This workshop will teach you the art of mending, a time-honoured tradition that requires only a needle, thread and basic hand stitches. Instead of buying new, give your well-worn favourites a little extra love so they can last longer. Hand sewing supplies will be provided. Please bring one item to mend.

Taking Collective Action Towards the SDGs | 3 - 4 p.m.

Facilitator: Professor James Nugent from the school of Environment, Resources and Sustainability at U��ݮ��Ƶ
Description: How can we change the world (for the better)? This lecture helps providing a starting point for those wanting to connect a sustainable lifestyle to building collective action for broader system change. We will explore strategies and tactics such as taking part in elections, direct action, lobbying, art-for-change, and more.

Food Sustainability and its Impact in ��ݮ��Ƶ | 4 - 4:30 PM

Facilitators: Owen Babcock, Krystal Yee and Saad Arif Qadeer from MealCare
Description: MealCare is a student led initiative trying to improve food access for all. Join and learn how to reduce yours and your community's food waste, and improve food insecurity.

About the event

The event will take place both virtually and in-person at the University of ��ݮ��Ƶ.There is no cost to sign up and registration is open to the University community and the broader public. The event is organized by IC3's Climate Students.

Want to stay informed about IC3's upcoming events and opportunities? Subscribe to our mailing list!

Negotiating Our Future: International Climate Negotiations

Natalie Smith — Fri, 19 Feb 2021 20:58:14 +0000

Negotiating Our Future: International Climate Negotiations Natalie Smith Fri, 02/19/2021 - 15:58

U��ݮ��Ƶ's Climate Students present "Negotiating Our Future: International Climate Negotiations" a virtual event on March 11, from 5:30-8:30pm EST.

This is a smaller interactive event with limited registration, so please RSVPin advance. This event will be hosted on Zoom and is open to all U��ݮ��Ƶ undergraduate and graduate students.

The goal of this event is to develop introductory skills to international climate negotiations in multilateral fora and provide an opportunity for participants to simulate countries from around the world to set their greenhouse gas emission reduction targets. Keeping your country’s interests at heart, can you work together to cut down your emissions and keep global warming below 2ºC?

We are excited to have Climatable facilitating our event.

Climatable is a not-for-profit based out of Montreal focused on involving Canadians in climate action. Climatable trains Canadians to become active participants in solving the climate crisis through workshops, forums, and conferences and works with individuals and communities in developing knowledge and solutions surrounding climate change. Their knowledge, experience and expertise with simulation technology developed by MIT will help participants visualize the long-term climate impacts of actions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Register for "Negotiating our Future: International Climate Negotiations".

Please contact the Climate Students if you have any questions about the event.