INNOVATIVE
Enhancing climate change adaptation using Indigenous knowledge
Sea level rise caused by anthropogenic climate change has increased the risk of significant environmental, social, cultural and economic impacts to the northeast and mid-Atlantic Tribal Nations located along the Atlantic coast of what is currently known as the United States. Kelsey Leonard (professor, Environment, Resources and Sustainability, Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Waters, Climate and Sustainability) promotes the inclusion of Indigenous knowledge and perspectives into coastal protection priorities that can work alongside western scientific methods. Her Indigenous adaptation framework for sea level rise builds on the lessons and knowledge of eastern coastal tribal nations and suggests measures (Witness, Acknowledge, Mend, Protect, Unite, Move or WAMPUM) that can guide international, national and regional adaptation efforts in the future.
Demonstrating a novel approach to continental-scale sensitivity analysis
Juliane Mai (professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering), Bryan Tolson (professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering) and James Craig (professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering; Canada Research Chair in Hydrologic Modelling and Analysis) published a study in Nature Communications that applied a a novel method to more than 3000 basins across North America using a blended hydrologic model structure that enabled the seamless quantification of model process and parameter sensitivities across a continuous set of models. The large number of basins analyzed allowed the researchers to deduce functional relationships between basin characteristics and climatic indices that estimated the sensitivity of processes without the need to perform the computationally expensive sensitivity analysis for basins not covered. In addition, this open-source and open-data study enabled users to explore input data, model setups and study results from an interactive website.
Innovative flood risk mapping of vulnerable communities
Horatiu Rus (professor, Economics), Daniel Henstra (professor, Political Science), Jason Thistlewaite (professor, Environment, Enterprise and Development) and Daniel Scott (professor, Geography and Environmental Management) completed the first known study that assessed whether socially vulnerable groups in Canada bear a disproportionate burden of fluvial, pluvial and coastal flood risk. They found that racial or ethnic, economic, social and demographic factors play a significant explanatory role in the distribution of flood risk across neighbourhoods and that exposure to flood risk is more significant in neighbourhoods that predominantly comprise certain vulnerable groups such as females, persons living alone, Indigenous, South Asians, the elderly, other visible minorities and economically insecure residents.
Promoting water-nanotechnology innovation
The application of nanotechnology in the water sector offers real opportunity for breakthrough innovations that will contribute to the more sustainable use and management of water. Over the past year, the Water Institute collaborated with the Waterloo Institute for Nanoetchnology to propel such innovation forward. In partnership with the Ontario Water Consortium, an industry event was held in February 2022 to showcase seven Waterloo researchers who are pioneering everything from nano-cellulose systems that treat wastewater to DNA biosensors that can detect contaminants
In April 2022, recipients of funding from the inaugural Water Institute-Waterloo Institute for Nanoetchnology seed grant program were announced. The program targeted technology development at the intersection of water and nanotechnology with a particular focus on contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) potentially causing ecological or human-health impacts. Funded projects included nano-water innovations focusing on the colloidal behaviour of microplastics, rapid detection of E. coli and electrochemical treatment of CECs in water.
I think this is a great opportunity to have interdisciplinary research centres working with end users and community partners and industry to create a sustainable impact. We haven’t seen that kind of a synergy happening previously.
SUSHANTA MITRA, Executive Director, Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology
Launching the BlackBerry Water Innovation Challenge
In January 2022, the Water Institute and BlackBerry announced a new partnership to engage professors and students in proposing research and development projects that advance progress against UN Sustainable Development Goals related to water. The Water Innovation Challenge encouraged new applications of BlackBerry technologies to address water-related challenges and opportunities, including the cybersecurity of water systems, water emergencies and Internet of Things (IoT) water management solutions.
The Water Institute at the University of Waterloo is thrilled to be partnering with BlackBerry to catalyze technological innovation to advance progress against the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The Water Innovation Challenge will connect our researchers to BlackBerry technologies in new ways to address the most urgent global challenges of today
ROY BROUWER, Executive Director, Water Institute
© Copyright 2022 Water Institute, University of Waterloo | FP1947