Sustainability
Discovery
AI for good: Using the power of machine learning for climate action
David Rolnick is quick to point out that AI isn’t a panacea for solving the climate crisis. But the research he leads at McGill’s School of Computer Science provides a fascinating window into efforts to use AI to help mitigate and adapt to climate change.
On Campus
Creating a space for sustainability in the curriculum
McGill’s Sustainability Education Fellows program offers professors the support they need to rethink and reshape their courses by adding a new emphasis on issues related to sustainability.
On Campus
Building a culture of sustainability
McGill’s Sustainability Projects Fund has supported more than 400 sustainability-related projects at McGill. The largest fund of its kind in Canada, it has played a pivotal role in McGill becoming one of the world’s leading universities for sustainability.
People
Co-designing a transformational fund (between classes)
As an undergraduate, Jonathan Glencross, BA’11, was one of the driving forces behind the University’s Sustainability Projects Fund. Years later, he is still busy working on investments with an ethical focus.
People
An idealist who gets things done
Laure Waridel, BA’96, has been one of Quebec’s most prominent voices on environmental issues and fair trade for decades. She is troubled by the rise of populism and climate skepticism, but she isn’t done fighting for a better future.
Society
Pressing for environmental change – from the inside
Yalmaz Siddiqui, BCom’92, the vice-president of environmental sustainability for the Walt Disney Company, reflects on almost 30 years of promoting sustainability in senior corporate roles, and on facing skepticism from business colleagues (in the early going) and environmental activists (more recently).
Discovery
Exploring the complexity of ecosystems
As McGill’s Canada Research Chair in Sustainability Science, Elena Bennett is one of the country’s most respected experts on the nature of Canada’s ecosystems – the varied benefits they offer, as well as their vulnerability to change.
People
Not the CEO from central casting (and he sees that as a strength)
Éric Lachance, BCom’96, might not be the sort of charismatic extrovert that we typically associate with the role of CEO, but the McGill alum who heads the Quebec energy giant Énergir insists there is more than one approach to effective leadership. He is putting that to the test as he leads his company on a greener path forward.
On Campus
A new mission for an icon from McGill’s past
Some of the most important moments in McGill medical history took place at the original site of the Royal Victoria Hospital. As the University positions itself to become a leading force in sustainability and public policy, the old Royal Vic site is poised to play an essential role.
On Campus
A big commitment to zero waste
Achieving zero waste by 2035 is a key target in McGill’s new Climate & Sustainability Strategy. Students played a central role in the plan’s development, making their voices heard about “where we should focus our efforts towards making McGill a more sustainable campus.”
Discovery
Tracking the bold promise of new planned cities
Sarah Moser is the head of McGill’s New Cities Lab and a leading expert on the global phenomenon of new master-planned cities, many of them described as “smart cities.” While these new cities often have idealistic goals, they aren’t without controversy.
People
Championing the big impact of microfarming
Jean-Martin Fortier, BA’02, is a tireless advocate for the benefits – and profitability – of small-scale, direct-to-consumer farming. The bestselling author and TV star continues to win new converts to his cause.