News and Events

The smog capital of India 

A study by Dr. David R. Boyd explained the urgency for treating air pollution as a human rights issue.

Canada’s Net-Zero Advisory Board recognizes BECCS 

Dr. Simon Donner explained Canada’s Net-Zero Advisory Body, of which he is a co-chair

November 28 2024: IRES Faculty Seminar with Dr. Terry Sunderland

Curious about optimal ways forward for conservation that break away from the dichotomous view that pits people against nature and instead embraces the importance of this symbiotic relationship? Join Dr. Terry Sunderland for his talk on conservation, access, and food security

The secret lives of Vancouver’s bats — and the race to save them 

Master’s student Aaron Aguirre discussed his urban bat project which can help combat white-nose syndrome, a deadly fungal disease affecting bats.

What Canadian provinces can learn from the Texas energy experience

Dr. Milind Kandlikar is featured in The Globe and Mail for his observations on B.C's expertise in hydropower shaping the market of renewable energy for its province

B.C. atmospheric river a successful first test of community-led rain management project

PhD student Charlotte Milne weighed in on CBC News about the benefits of rain gardens to manage stormwater.

November 21, 2024: IRES Professional Development Seminar with Dr. Karl Zimmermann

Dr. Karl Zimmermann shares a 3-step process to empower participation in water management discussing recommendations from 400 water leaders on four continents.

How can B.C. protect itself from the next atmospheric river?

CBC features Dr. Kai Chan for his recommendations to reroute water through ecosystems instead of human-made structures for stormwater management.

Nuclear is Not the Solution

Join UBC SPPGA and IRES for this book launch and conversation with its author, M.V. Ramana, and panelists Allison Macfarlane and David Boyd!

December 5, 2024: IRES Student Seminar with Victor Cardenas and Ted Scott (Last Seminar of Term 1)

Two talks on: 1. Estimating climate change impact in financing to vulnerable smallholder farmers via microfinance financial resiliency 2. What is happening to summer? A global and multi-scale analysis of the changing summer season length under global warming

November 14, 2024: IRES Faculty Seminar with Dr. Jonathan Proctor

In this talk, learn how Dr. Jonathan Proctor leverages the rich and diverse information within satellite imagery to predict local climate vulnerability in the U.S. and globally.

IBioS Seminar Invitation

The Interdisciplinary Biodiversity Solutions Collaboratory (IBioS) just launched a Graduate Student Seminar series for students interested in social, ethical, and ecological issues and dilemmas surrounding biodiversity conservation, restoration, management, and governance. Please join and enjoy the planned series while meeting like-minded people (and enjoying some free food).

‘Rustad is a threat to first nations and a threat to reconciliation’ 

Postdoctoral researcher Dr. Justine Townsend commented on the importance of Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas

Canada must boost climate change targets: report 

Dr. Simon Donner, discussed a new report from the federal Net-Zero Advisory Body which recommended that Canada boost its 2035 emissions reductions target.

Sustainability Scholars Conference | Advancing Urban Sustainability 2024 | Oct 2 1pm-5pm

What happens when you give students real-world sustainability problems to solve? UBC Sustainability Scholars are helping to generate real change in the world. Join us on Wednesday, October 2 to learn more about the ways in which these students are supporting our local governments and institutions to future-proof our people, our cities, and our urban spaces. This afternoon […]

Understanding hearts and minds is key to buy-in for federal climate policy

Dr. Jiaying Zhao commented on the federal government’s behavioral studies and surveys to shape federal climate policy and encourage sustainable actions in the National Observer

Finalists for 2025 Indianapolis Prize helping protect parrots, manatees, jaguars and more 

PhD candidate Alberto Alves Campos is among the finalists for his work on helping the endangered Antillean manatee in Brazil. Photo credit: Maegan Luckiesh

New stormwater infrastructure is needed for Canadian cities to handle increased urban flooding

PhD candidate Mauricio Carvallo Aceves is featured in the Conversation, writing about increasing concerns of urban flooding in Canada.

October 24, 2024: IRES Professional Development Seminar with Helen Brown

Join us to learn more about UBC Library services and tips and tricks for finding environmental research and information that will save you time and energy from UBC's Librarian, Helen Brown!

Vancouver Kick Off Event: Climate Solutions Research Collective September 27th

Join a discussion of "Big Ideas" with respect to climate solutions research! IRES’s Dr. Amanda Giang will join other faculty in-person on September 27 from 1:00 – 2:30 pm to discuss "Big Ideas" with respect to climate solutions research.