Climate Change Data

Environmental Metrics

ESG Focus Areas

• Climate Change
• Sustainability
• Biodiversity
• Indigenous Reconciliation
• Health Equity

Environmental Achievements

• Numerous universities and research institutions are working on practical solutions to reduce global warming and build resilient communities. Specific examples include: reducing methane emissions from oil and gas sites, converting CO2 into renewable fuels, developing sustainable construction products from organic waste, and advancing net-zero nuclear energy.
• York University achieved a 70% waste diversion rate from landfills, abating over 26,000 metric tons of carbon.

Social Achievements

• Lakehead University's Indigenous H EARC Research Chair in Decolonial Futures project explores cancer as a symptom of colonialism and integrates traditional healing with Western medicine.
• Toronto Metropolitan University's Migrant Integration program is leveraging national collaboration to build a new understanding of migrant integration challenges and opportunities.
• Numerous initiatives focused on improving health equity and access to healthcare in underserved communities.

Governance Achievements

• Many universities and research institutions are collaborating with Indigenous communities, governments, and industry partners to co-develop and implement solutions for climate change and other challenges. This demonstrates a commitment to inclusive governance and stakeholder engagement.

Climate Goals & Targets

Environmental Challenges

• Overall decline in university research funding in FY2022, particularly from federal government sources.
• Shortage of skilled workers in various sectors, including healthcare and cybersecurity.
• Climate change impacts on infrastructure and natural resources.
• Need for more efficient and affordable clean energy solutions.
• Addressing health inequities and improving access to healthcare in underserved communities.

Mitigation Strategies

• Government investments in research hubs and initiatives to strengthen pandemic preparedness and address climate change.
• Partnerships between universities, industry, and government to accelerate innovation and commercialization.
• Development of new technologies and solutions to address climate change impacts, such as methane leak detection, CO2 conversion, and sustainable building materials.
• Initiatives to train and retain healthcare professionals in underserved areas.
• Collaborative research projects focused on improving migrant integration and addressing health inequities.

Supply Chain Management

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities

Physical Risks

• Wildfires
• Flooding
• Extreme weather events

Opportunities

• Development of clean energy technologies
• Creation of sustainable building materials
• Economic opportunities in the green economy

UN Sustainable Development Goals

• Goal 7 (Affordable and clean energy)
• Goal 13 (Climate action)
• Goal 3 (Good health and well-being)
• Goal 10 (Reduced inequalities)
• Goal 17 (Partnerships for the goals)

Various research initiatives contribute to these goals through the development of sustainable energy solutions, climate change mitigation strategies, improved healthcare access, and collaborative partnerships.

Sustainable Products & Innovation

• Sustainable construction materials
• Renewable fuels
• Plant-based protein products