From increasing disasters, wildfires, record-breaking rainfall, warming lakes, invasive species and a struggling circular economy, York researchers are taking the measure of our planet

TORONTO, April 20, 2026 – As the climate changes and the risk of wildfires, earth quakes, floods and landslides increase, this Earth Day 2026 (April 22) is about taking back power – . �첥��Ƶ experts research how environmental and climate stressors are affecting our planet’s ecosystems and how that affects humans and wildlife.

The following experts are available:

, a York Research Chair in Global Change Biology, is a professor in the Faculty of Science. Her research focuses on the impacts of human-caused environmental stressors, including the effects of climate change and invasive species on freshwater lakes.

She can comment on:

• How human-induced environmental stressors increase lake temperatures, disrupt delicate ecosystems, and can affect fish species, lake health, cyanobacteria growth and drinking water
• Effects of freshwater browning, from an increase of organic matter and carbon being washed into lakes, on fish growth, populations and species
• Impact of climate change on Arctic ice conditions
• Invasive species, water quality and freshwater fisheries

, associate professor of atmospheric science at the Lassonde School of Engineering, studies climate, atmospheric, ocean and sea ice dynamics. He uses a combination of models, observations, and mathematical analysis to investigate how motions in Earth’s atmosphere and ocean influence climate.  He can speak to:

• Processes driving long-term temperature and precipitation changes, including increasingly record-breaking rainfall
• Factors leading to changes in Arctic sea ice
• Variability of the ocean circulation and its relationship to other aspects of climate change

,  director of York’s Emergency Mitigation, Engagement, Governance, Response Institute (Y-EMERGE), is an associate professor in the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies and an expert in disaster and emergency management areas, specifically wildfire and forest fire management. He has done extensive work on wildfire mitigation, fire decision-making, use of prediction in fire management, and fire management in Canada and globally. He can discuss:

• How climate changes - and other changes - increase the threat, intensity, and impact of wildfires
• How wildfires are managed in Canada and globally
• Wildfire decision-making, like how agencies make response decisions and how community members decide
• How to mitigate wildfire risk for individuals and communities

and , both professor and atmospheric chemists in the Faculty of Science who have been part of several large campaigns to better understand the air we breath in Toronto and across North America in summer and winter. Their most recent research found that the tinniest forever chemical declined in Toronto after everyone went home during the pandemic which means scientists should be able to figure out how to minimize these particular emissions and control the formation of it in the future. They can discuss:

• What is in the air Torontonians breath and what is contributing to it
• How so many per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances��(PFAS) remain undetected in the atmosphere and how they figured out how to test for them
• How these forever chemicals developed in the first place
• The risk to the environment, humans and wildlife of PFAS and how far they travel

Calvin Lakhan is co-investigator of the Circular Innovation Hub, a research project devoted to advancing the understanding of waste management research and policy in Canada, in the Faculty of Environmental Studies and Urban Change. He can discuss:

• The grey area of going green and the dangers of green washing and misleading environmental claims
• The circular economy and the adoption or resistance to it, such as reusable and zero-waste systems and consumer reaction to shared reusable food and beverage containers
• How recycling policy and environmental outcomes may be doing more harm than good and is no longer sustainable
• The socio-economic inequality that prevents poor and marginalized groups from participating in sustainable waste management practices

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TORONTO, April 20, 2021 — With Earth Day 2021 on the horizon, �첥��Ƶ researchers in the areas of environment and climate change are available to discuss the world’s ecosystems, emerging green technologies and innovative thinking – the key elements of this year’s theme, .

is a geography professor in the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change and an Arctic hydrologist, who studies northern hydrology, microclimate, and the hydrology of extreme environments. She can talk about:

• Northern wetlands, snow cover, and the effects of climate change and climate variability in the Canadian High Arctic
• The impact of dust and volcanic ash on the hydrology of slopes and wetlands in Iceland

��, assistant professor of atmospheric science at the Lassonde School of Engineering, studies climate dynamics. He uses a combination of models, observations, and mathematical analysis to investigate how motions in Earth’s atmosphere and ocean influence climate.�� He can speak to:

• The processes driving long-term changes in temperature and precipitation
• The processes driving long-term changes in extreme precipitation
• The processes driving long-term changes in Arctic sea ice
• Variability of the ocean circulation and its relationship to other aspects of climate change

�� is a professor in the Department of Earth & Space Science and Engineering at the Lassonde School of Engineering. He��is a co-inventor of the Brewer Ozone Spectrophotometer and the UV Index, and can talk about:

• Communicating Science
• Ozone layer depletion
• Ozone and climate change

�� is assistant professor in the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies and an expert in disaster and emergency management areas. He has done extensive field research on wildfire, and studies existing wildfire policy in Canada. He can discuss:

• Climate change’s impact on wildfire
• Fire management and under climate stressors
• Reform needed to fire management; challenges in learning to “live with” fire rather than just fight it
• The provincial differences in fire management with conflicting pressures from the public, industry, and various levels of governments
• Disaster and emergency policy that can make Canada and rest of the world safer

��Calvin Lakhan, a research associate and co-investigator of the����project in the Faculty of Environmental Studies and Urban Change, can discuss:

• The grey area of going green and the dangers of green washing and misleading environmental claims
• Poor recycling policy and environmental outcomes, including how recycling is now actually doing more harm than good, and is no longer sustainable given the current waste management systems
• The socio-economic inequality that prevents poor and marginalized groups from participating in sustainable waste management practices

, associate professor in the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, and the director of Robarts Centre for Canadian Studies, is an expert in the politics of Indigenous peoples and the impact of unconventional resource extraction in Canada. She can speak to:

• The political economy of land claims, treaties and self-government, especially in the Arctic and northern areas where resource extractions are prevalent
• Indigenous rights in the contexts of climate change, environmental security, and community health

, associate professor in the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change, who teaches courses in environmental planning, urban and landscape ecology, and environmental design, is available to discuss:

• Climate change and land-use planning
• Environmental politics in urban and regional planning
• Energy and emissions reductions
• Toronto urban region as a microcosm of global issues related to environmental and urban change
• Climate justice in planning, and resilience, for example, lessons learned from the 2014 floods in Burlington

�첥��Ƶ��is a modern, multi-campus, urban university located in Toronto, Ontario. Backed by a diverse group of students, faculty, staff, alumni and partners, we bring a uniquely global perspective to help solve societal challenges, drive positive change and prepare our students for success. York's fully bilingual Glendon Campus is home to Southern Ontario's Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education. York’s campuses in Costa Rica and India offer students exceptional transnational learning opportunities and innovative programs. Together, we can make things right for our communities, our planet, and our future.��

Media Contact:

Gloria Suhasini, �첥��Ƶ Media Relations, 647.463.4354,��suhasini@yorku.ca

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Expert available to comment on the ecological footprint of Canadians

TORONTO, Thursday, April 23, 2020 – It’s Earth Week. Here is a look at how we’re doing. The ecological footprint of Canadians is about 2.8 times higher than the global average and overall, the ecological footprint of human consumption has grown by 70 per cent since 1970, say �첥��Ƶ researchers.

“Most of this growth has been in the carbon footprint component,” says Eric Miller of the Faculty of Environmental Studies and director of the team producing the .

York is working with global partners at the to produce which detail ecological footprint and biocapacity for all countries from 1961 to the present. Details include the components of cropland, grazing land, built-up land, forest land, fishing grounds, and the carbon footprint.

Although the current COVID-19 pandemic may have a short-lived positive ecological impact, it is too early to know.

Past economic crises, such as the great global recession of 2008 or the savings and loans crisis in the United States in the 1980s, affected the ecological footprint but only temporarily.

“These past economic crises did produce dips in the trends, but after they were over, we recovered back onto the same path of a growing footprint,” says Miller. “The quickest rebound in footprint growth was after the 2008 recession when governments around the world responded by throwing a lot of money at ‘shovel-ready’ concrete-based infrastructure projects.”

Since the first Earth Day in 1970, humanity’s ecological footprint has been greater than the planet’s capacity to sustain it. The result has been an in the atmosphere, and dramatic changes in lands and waters.

The team’s work, including York graduate students as part of their experiential learning in sustainability informatics, is empowering the to inform individuals, communities and government leaders to better manage limited resources, reduce economic risk, and improve well-being.

“The Earth provides us with materials and energy, ecosystems that metabolize wastes, and places to live and build infrastructure. However, this dependence can be sustained only if we use renewable natural resources at a rate that can be regenerated and emit pollution at a rate that can be metabolized by nature,” says Miller.

Data on a national and global basis, by year, and by component, are available at .

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�첥��Ƶ champions new ways of thinking that drive teaching and research excellence. Our students receive the education they need to create big ideas that make an impact on the world. Meaningful and sometimes unexpected careers result from cross-disciplinary programming, innovative course design and diverse experiential learning opportunities. York students and graduates push limits, achieve goals and find solutions to the world’s most pressing social challenges, empowered by a strong community that opens minds. �첥��Ƶ is an internationally recognized research university – our 11 faculties and 25 research centres have partnerships with 200+ leading universities worldwide. Located in Toronto, York is the third largest university in Canada, with a strong community of 53,000 students, 7,000 faculty and administrative staff, and more than 300,000 alumni. �첥��Ƶ's fully bilingual Glendon Campus is home to Southern Ontario's Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education.

Media Contact:

Sandra McLean, �첥��Ƶ Media Relations, 416-272-6317, sandramc@yorku.ca

Find out more about how �첥��Ƶ is creating positive change in the COVID-19 pandemic��.

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�첥��Ƶ experts can explain how their research supports Earth Day’s goals

TORONTO, April 9, 2019 – On April 22, Canadians will celebrate Earth Day. The day aims to inspire Canadians to go green, make sustainable choices and reduce their carbon footprint.

This year, Earth Day Network has chosen the global theme of . The campaign focuses on protecting endangered and threatened species, and rapidly declining plant and wildlife populations. The day is also an opportunity to examine the impact of human activity on climate change, deforestation, poaching and pollution.

The following �첥��Ƶ experts are available for interviews about their research and expertise on forest conservation, wildlife crimes and climate change.

is an associate professor in the Department of Geography in the Faculty of Liberal and Professional Studies. A political ecologist and geographer, Lunstrum’s research focuses on the politics of conservation and national parks, environmental displacement related to human rights abuses, wildlife crimes, biodiversity conservation, and the impact of national parks on Indigenous people. Currently, she is researching changes to conservation practices in Canada’s national parks.

She can comment on:

• Conservation politics
• Conservation in Canada, South Africa, Mozambique and the U.S.
• Wildlife and commercial poaching

, a professor in the Department of Biology in the Faculty of Science, has spent four decades doing ecology field research on plant-animal interactions and invasive plant management, from Canada's arctic to the U.S. border. A STEM scholar and leader in science communication, Bazely has led studies examining the impacts of high numbers of white-tailed deer on southern Ontario forests, which have been used by government agencies to guide forest and deer herd management. Her research focuses on the spread of introduced plant species, the success of habitat management to restore rare plant species and ecosystems, and how ecotourism is helping people understand the importance of biodiversity.

She can comment on:

• Climate change and climate change policy
• Impact of climate change on ecosystems, biodiversity and invasive species
• Declining plant populations, forest conservation and management

��is an associate professor in the Department of Biology in the Faculty of Science. Her research focuses on the impacts of human-caused environmental stressors, including the effects of climate change and invasive species on lakes. Recently, Sharma led an international study that predicts 35,300 lakes will lose their annual winter ice cover across the Northern Hemisphere due to climate change. The study, published in the journal����in January, is considered to be the first comprehensive, large-scale assessment of lake ice loss.

She can comment on:

• Impact of environmental stressors on lakes
• Climate change
• Invasive species, water quality and freshwater fisheries

is a professor in the Faculty of Environmental Studies and co-chair of York’s . His research and teaching focuses on sustainable energy and climate change policy; environmental governance and regulatory regimes; environmental sustainability; and the political economy of Ontario. Winfield has written dozens of published articles, book chapters and reports including his book, Blue-Green Province: The Environment and Political Economy of Ontario, a study of environmental policy in Ontario, published in 2012.

He can comment on:

• Energy, environmental and climate change policy
• Carbon pricing, low-carbon transition and clean technology subsidies
• Air and water pollution

�첥��Ƶ champions new ways of thinking that drive teaching and research excellence. Our students receive the education they need to create big ideas that make an impact on the world. Meaningful and sometimes unexpected careers result from cross-disciplinary programming, innovative course design and diverse experiential learning opportunities. York students and graduates push limits, achieve goals and find solutions to the world’s most pressing social challenges, empowered by a strong community that opens minds. �첥��Ƶ is an internationally recognized research university – our 11 faculties and 25 research centres have partnerships with 200+ leading universities worldwide. Located in Toronto, York is the third largest university in Canada, with a strong community of 53,000 students, 7,000 faculty and administrative staff, and more than 300,000 alumni.

�첥��Ƶ's fully bilingual Glendon Campus is home to Southern Ontario's Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education.

Media Contact: Vanessa Thompson, �첥��Ƶ Media Relations, 647-654-9452,��vthomps@yorku.ca

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TORONTO, April 20, 2017 – Climate change is affecting the livelihoods of thousands, but with Earth Day almost here, how is Canada responding to this emerging employment crisis? �첥��Ƶ work and climate expert Carla Lipsig-Mummé believes more needs to be done.

, Professor of work and labour studies in the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies, and director of the Adapting Canadian Work and Workplaces to Respond to Climate Change research project, can comment on the impact of climate change on employment and the world of work, environmental and labour market policies, and reducing greenhouse gases through work.

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�첥��Ƶ is known for championing new ways of thinking that drive teaching and research excellence. Our students receive the education they need to create big ideas that make an impact on the world. Meaningful and sometimes unexpected careers result from cross-discipline programming, innovative course design and diverse experiential learning opportunities. York students and graduates push limits, achieve goals and find solutions to the world’s most pressing social challenges, empowered by a strong community that opens minds. �첥��Ƶ is an internationally recognized research university – our 11 faculties and 26 research centres have partnerships with 200+ leading universities worldwide. Located in Toronto, York is the third largest university in Canada, with a strong community of 53,000 students, 7,000 faculty and administrative staff, and more than 295,000 alumni. �첥��Ƶ's fully bilingual Glendon campus is home to Southern Ontario's Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education.

Media Contact:

Sandra McLean, �첥��Ƶ Media Relations, 416-736-2100 ext. 22097,��sandramc@yorku.ca

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TORONTO, April 19, 2017 – This year’s Earth Day theme touts the importance of teaching environmental and climate literacy. A �첥��Ƶ expert can discuss the success or failure of climate change policies and strategies, conservation and global environmental changes.

, Professor in the Faculty of Environmental Studies and co-chair of the Sustainable Energy Initiative, can comment on climate change policy at the federal and provincial level, carbon pricing, low-carbon transition and clean technology strategies, environmental assessment and pipelines, and environmental policy.

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�첥��Ƶ is known for championing new ways of thinking that drive teaching and research excellence. Our students receive the education they need to create big ideas that make an impact on the world. Meaningful and sometimes unexpected careers result from cross-discipline programming, innovative course design and diverse experiential learning opportunities. York students and graduates push limits, achieve goals and find solutions to the world’s most pressing social challenges, empowered by a strong community that opens minds. �첥��Ƶ is an internationally recognized research university – our 11 faculties and 26 research centres have partnerships with 200+ leading universities worldwide. Located in Toronto, York is the third largest university in Canada, with a strong community of 53,000 students, 7,000 faculty and administrative staff, and more than 295,000 alumni. �첥��Ƶ's fully bilingual Glendon campus is home to Southern Ontario's Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education.

Media Contact:

Sandra McLean, �첥��Ƶ Media Relations, 416-736-2100 ext. 22097,��sandramc@yorku.ca

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TORONTO, April 18, 2017 – With the approach of Earth Day, it’s time to starting thinking about outdoor spaces. A �첥��Ƶ bee expert can suggest what to plant to attract pollinators and discuss why bees are important for sustainable agriculture.

, Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Environmental Studies, can comment on the impact of climate change on bees, endangered species, environmental policy, sustainable agriculture, pesticides, habitat loss and the lack of pollination.

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�첥��Ƶ is known for championing new ways of thinking that drive teaching and research excellence. Our students receive the education they need to create big ideas that make an impact on the world. Meaningful and sometimes unexpected careers result from cross-discipline programming, innovative course design and diverse experiential learning opportunities. York students and graduates push limits, achieve goals and find solutions to the world’s most pressing social challenges, empowered by a strong community that opens minds. �첥��Ƶ is an internationally recognized research university – our 11 faculties and 26 research centres have partnerships with 200+ leading universities worldwide. Located in Toronto, York is the third largest university in Canada, with a strong community of 53,000 students, 7,000 faculty and administrative staff, and more than 295,000 alumni. �첥��Ƶ's fully bilingual Glendon campus is home to Southern Ontario's Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education.

Media Contact:

Sandra McLean, �첥��Ƶ Media Relations, 416-736-2100 ext. 22097,��sandramc@yorku.ca

The post �첥��Ƶ Earth Day expert: Bee friendly tales from the garden appeared first on News@York.

TORONTO, April 17, 2017 – As the planet heats up, �첥��Ƶ water experts can discuss the effects of climate change on fresh water lakes, invasive species, natural disaster management and Arctic ice, in the lead up to Earth Day, April 22.

, Assistant Professor in the Lassonde School of Engineering, can talk about storm water and watershed management in the face of increasingly wild storms, ways to track potential flooding, techniques for improving urban water quality, and risk assessment.

, Associate biology Professor, Faculty of Science, can speak about how climate change is affecting fresh water lakes, warming surface temperatures of lakes, water quality, freshwater fisheries, invasive species and environmental stressors.

, Assistant Professor, Lassonde School of Engineering, can talk about glacier melt in the Arctic, what satellite observations and computer simulations reveal about changes to the Greenland Ice sheet, rising sea levels and the effect of human activities on glaciers. (He is available by phone or email.)

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�첥��Ƶ is known for championing new ways of thinking that drive teaching and research excellence. Our students receive the education they need to create big ideas that make an impact on the world. Meaningful and sometimes unexpected careers result from cross-discipline programming, innovative course design and diverse experiential learning opportunities. York students and graduates push limits, achieve goals and find solutions to the world’s most pressing social challenges, empowered by a strong community that opens minds. �첥��Ƶ is an internationally recognized research university – our 11 faculties and 26 research centres have partnerships with 200+ leading universities worldwide. Located in Toronto, York is the third largest university in Canada, with a strong community of 53,000 students, 7,000 faculty and administrative staff, and more than 295,000 alumni. �첥��Ƶ's fully bilingual Glendon campus is home to Southern Ontario's Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education.

Media Contact:

Sandra McLean, �첥��Ƶ Media Relations, 416-736-2100 ext. 22097,��sandramc@yorku.ca

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