51³Ô¹Ï

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Climate, environmental change & sustainability

Human impacts on the environment have accelerated on a devastating scale. UVic researchers and artists integrate their broad areas of expertise into innovative solutions and transformative actions. 

We address the urgent challenges facing oceans, lands, human wellbeing and the economy. Our work contributes to many areas, including climate policy, smart sustainable cities, water security, ocean and climate science, and ecosystem conservation.

Climate and sustainability action plan

The 51³Ô¹Ï is committed to global leadership in environmental, social and institutional sustainability. We meet this challenge through our Strategic Framework, research, academic programs, campus operations, and the impact and influence of our students, faculty, staff and alumni.

The Climate and Sustainability Action Plan (CSAP) is a new and unique approach to sustainability and climate action at UVic. This Strategy brings all campus portfolios, academics and curriculum, research and innovation, external, Indigenous, international relations, community and government relations, communications, finance and operations together, to guide UVic as we address and adapt to global challenges faced by all universities.

UVic is exceptionally well positioned to respond to climate change and the plan will offer ambitious, creative and integrated solutions.

Brad Buckham (with a wave measurement buoy) in front of the Hesquiaht First Nation community of Hot Springs Cove.

Accelerating Community Energy Transformation (ACET)

Accelerating Community Energy Transformation (ACET) is moving Canada closer to a net-zero future by supporting local, place-based clean energy transitions, one community at a time.

Institute for Integrated Energy Systems

UVic's Institute for Integrated Energy Systems (IESVic) is an international leader in research on sustainable energy solutions. Their work includes fuel cells, energy efficiency and alternative energy sources. They also engage in large-scale, long-term analysis of how policy and technology can work together.

Wind buoy

Pacific Regional Institute for Marine Energy Discovery

The Pacific Regional Institute for Marine Energy Discovery (PRIMED) accelerates the development and adoption of marine renewable energy technologies, including wind, wave, and tidal solutions. They connect BC’s remote communities and the private sector to identify resources, assess candidate technology, and weigh the economics.
Credit: Jacques Sirois

Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions

Hosted and led by UVic, the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions (PICS) develops innovative, evidence-based climate solutions knowledge. PICS brings together experts from academia, government, industry and wider society. Their work contributes to solutions for mitigating and adapting to climate change. Their activities span research, education, policy development and outreach.

people on ship lower object in water

Ocean Networks Canada

Ocean Networks Canada (ONC) is a UVic initiative that manages world-leading observatories in the deep ocean and coastal waters of Canada’s three coasts. Their observations contribute greatly to our understanding of our changing ocean. They study everything from earthquakes and tsunamis to deep sea biodiversity, whales, hydrothermal vents and the impact of climate change, including sea ice in the Arctic.

forest fire on hillside

Pacific Climate Impacts Consortium

The Pacific Climate Impacts Consortium (PCIC) is a regional climate service centre. They provide practical information on the physical impacts of climate variability and change in the Pacific and Yukon Region of Canada. They collaborate with climate researchers and regional stakeholders to produce knowledge and tools in support of long-term planning.

person walking on marsh land

Water and Climate Impacts Research Centre