Sustainability
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.
Webcasts
How can sustainability research be translated into real-world changes?
Charting a course from knowledge to action on sustainability.
Webcasts
Why is sustainability research so challenging?
How taxing is it to work across disciplines, and why is this so critical in the area of sustainability research? What are the obstacles to bringing great ideas from the laboratory to commercial use?
Webcasts
Will COVID-19 change the way we approach sustainability?
As the world focuses on the impact of the pandemic, what will become of global efforts to address sustainability?
Webcasts
What is sustainability anyway?
Hear from McGill’s leading environmental experts as they discuss the work being undertaken to better understand – and reverse – the widespread impact of human activity on the environment.
On Campus
“Not just talking the talk” on sustainability
The Board of Governors' new sustainability committee will track McGill's progress in reducing its carbon footprint. "The real goal will be to ... make sure [we're] not just talking the talk with respect to sustainability, but [we're] walking the walk."
Culture
A passion for both music and the environment
A prominent figure in Montreal's indie music scene, Rebecca Foon, BA'00, MUP'07, is also a climate change activist (Patti Smith and Thom Yorke have taken part in her events). "I've always wanted to integrate music and environmental work." Her new album does just that.