Research Activities
The Faculty of Environmental Studies stresses a commitment to improving the understanding, protection, and enhancement of ecological systems and human communities through better design, planning, management, and policy making. These objectives require the undertaking of research, which is a major activity of the Faculty of Environmental Studies. To guide its research activities, the Faculty of Environmental Studies has identified a number of strategic directions and research emphases which seek to incorporate and build upon an already excellent research base:
Spatial Data Handling
- geographic information systems (GIS)
- remote sensing imagery; spatial statistics; computer mapping
- computer aided design
Heritage Resources
- parks and protected areas management; countryside stewardship
- community heritage studies; environmental design
- tourism; marine conservation
Atmospheric Variability, Impacts and Adaptation
- arctic climatology
- human dimensions of climate change and variability
- assessment of environmental impacts of climate change and variability
- decision-making and communication aspects of climate change
Ecosystems and Applied Ecology
- agroecosystem and integrated pest management
- ecosystem monitoring and management; natural area management
- restoration ecology; urban ecology
Integrated Resource Management
- common property resource evaluation
- ecological footprint assessment
- land, water, and energy management and program evaluation
- planning, policy, decision-making, and institutional arrangements
International Development
- ecological aspects of environment and development
- regional sustainable development; institutional arrangements
- environmental data analysis and management
Sustainable Local Economic Development
- integration of environmental and economic assessment decision support systems
- local labour market processes; entrepreneurship training
Urban and Community Dynamics
- social housing; risk assessment; behavioural approaches
- urban activity systems; local economic development; inner city planning survey research methods; strategic planning; heritage preservation
- planning for mid-sized cities; core area research and design
Urban Design
- theory and evaluation of cities; new and edge cities; city renewal
- urban fabric; sustainable and heritage cities
- monumentality and livability; colonial, modern, and post-modern
Wetlands and Water
- wetland classification and evaluation; restoration and management; peatland use
- historical land-use and environmental impact
- groundwater-surface water interactions
Strategic Emphasis
Within these strategic emphases, faculty members are involved in a variety of research activities related to both the cultural and natural environments, ranging across the spectrum from "pure" to "applied". The Faculty has developed strong expertise related to Canadian environmental issues as well as a growing reputation and record in international research in the United States, Latin America, Africa, Europe, and Asia.
More information about the Faculty's research facilities and areas of research interest of faculty members is available on the Environmental Studies Website.