Research in action: How B.C. universities are fuelling the fight against climate threats

By Margaux Dugras ©2018 Postmedia Network Inc. ​This article was published in the Vancouver Sun on Nov 26, 2024

Researchers at the University of Victoria and Thompson Rivers University are developing climate solutions in real time

As Canada grapples with the severe effects of climate change, academic researchers are stepping out of traditional labs and engaging directly with communities to address a range of pressing challenges. Leading research programs are not just studying problems but turning findings into direct action. 

Some of the country’s top academic research programs are at the front lines of environmental defence. 

One such initiative is the Accelerating Community Energy Transformation (ACET) program at the University of Victoria, which assists communities in implementing net-zero energy solutions tailored to local needs. According to Curran Crawford, ACET’s executive director, there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to renewable energy. That’s why ACET works closely with individual Vancouver Island communities, designing sustainable solutions that align with local goals and contribute to resilience against environmental disruptions. 

“There’s a vibrant energy here, in the partner sector,” says Crawford. “We’re doing impactful research that benefits your community.” 

For instance, ACET has partnered with a First Nation in northern Vancouver Island to explore renewable energy options that could support the extension of a power line in their local area.  

With nearly $84 million in funding, ACET is also helping communities transition to low-carbon economic models, focusing on clean energy and governance structures that support economic resilience when faced with climate-related disruptions. 

Meanwhile, over in Kamloops at Thompson Rivers University (TRU), researchers are working to mitigate some of Canada’s most pressing climate threats due to excessive heat and wildfires.  

Shannon Wagner, vice-president of research, explains that TRU’s Centre for Wildfire Research, Education, Training and Innovation addresses critical needs, including updating response techniques, advancing fire prediction models and supporting Indigenous fire stewardship. 

A unique aspect of TRU’s research is its emphasis on Indigenous knowledge, a core element in their approach to land and fire management that helps communities mitigate fires more effectively.  

TRU’s research efforts contribute significantly to the local economy, generating an estimated $885.2 million annually. As the university expands its wildfire research, its impact on forest ecology, ecosystem restoration and community health will only grow, ensuring that Canada’s top researchers can serve at the front lines of environmental defence.  

“We see our role as building a national home for students, practitioners, teachers, researchers and leaders to come together around a shared interest in reducing the impact of wildfire,” says Wagner.  

To learn more about ACET, visit www.uvic.ca/research-innovation/research-at-uvic/climate-environmental-change-and-sustainability/community-energy-transition/index.php. To learn more about TRU’s Centre for Wildfire Research, Education, Training and Innovation, visit www.tru.ca/wildfire.html. 

This content was produced by Content Works, Postmedia’s custom content studio.