Global university partnerships are finding solutions to the climate crisis

Climate change is a global problem that requires global solutions. Researchers around the world are collaborating to discover sustainable and attainable solutions to our most pressing climate challenges. Learn how Canadian universities are working with international partners to fight food insecurity, meet growing renewable energy needs and explore sustainable farming solutions. 

Creating sustainable solutions in farming 

Sustainable farming practices are hugely important for combating climate change. That’s why a University of Guelph researcher is heading up a new research centre dedicated to exploring green ammonia—an effective fertilizer that typically requires fossil fuels to produce.  

The new Global Nitrogen Innovation Centre for Clean Energy and the Environment (NICCEE) is investigating the production practices and use of new green ammonia technologies, while ensuring they work well for farmers and stakeholders. Researchers at NICCEE are based at the University of Guelph, University of Manitoba, University of Saskatchewan and McGill University with more partners in the U.S. and U.K. 

Collaborating to meet renewable energy needs 

A partnership between Concordia University and two France-based companies is developing sustainable battery components to meet the rising demands for renewable energy sources. Arkema, a leader in speciality materials, and Rondol Industrie, an extrusion tech specialist, will work with Concordia to explore a new manufacturing process called ‘PEXBASO extrusion’. The collaboration will also create opportunities for research and cooperative training, including joint projects, researcher exchanges and scientific and industrial activities. 

Tackling food insecurity together 

Simon Fraser University signed a letter of intent with the leading institution in agriculture research, Wageningen University & Research in the Netherlands. The two institutions, along with the B.C. Centre for Agritech Innovation on Simon Fraser University’s Surrey campus, have united to tackle the growing global issue of food insecurity through sustainable agriculture. Through research programs, knowledge sharing, student exchanges and academic and research activities, the collaboration aims to spark innovation in agritech so that fewer people across the globe experience hunger and food insecurity as the climate shifts.