Climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing the world today. It affects every country, community, and individual. In this global fight, universities play an important role. They are places of research, learning, innovation, and leadership. Among Canadian universities, the University of Manitoba (UM) stands out as a strong leader in climate action. It recently ranked 6th in Canada for climate action efforts, a significant achievement that highlights its commitment to sustainability, research, and community engagement.

Understanding Climate Action and What It Means for Universities

Climate action refers to efforts made to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower pollution, adapt to the changing climate, and promote sustainable practices. Universities like UM contribute by:

• Conducting important research on climate science and sustainability

• Reducing their own carbon footprint through smart energy use and infrastructure

• Educating students and the community on the importance of climate action

• Working with Indigenous communities and stakeholders to develop climate resilience

• Developing policies and practices that protect natural resources and biodiversity

Why the University of Manitoba’s 6th Place Ranking in Climate Action is Important

The ranking is based on the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, which assess universities globally on how well they meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For UM to rank 6th in Canada means it is among the best in the country at making a positive environmental impact. This ranking recognizes the hard work and tangible results UM has achieved to reduce emissions, enhance sustainable practices, and foster community engagement.

The Climate Action Plan: UM’s Roadmap to a Greener Future

UM has laid out a detailed Climate Action Plan with clear goals:

• Cut greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030

• Achieve net zero emissions by 2050

This plan covers four major areas:

1. Energy and Buildings
   UM is working to increase energy efficiency by retrofitting old buildings, using low-carbon energy sources like hydro and wind, and upgrading heating systems to more sustainable options. In fact, in 2023, nearly 40% of UM’s energy came from low-carbon sources. The university also follows sustainable building design standards to reduce energy use in new facilities.

2. Transportation
   The university promotes sustainable transportation choices, pushes for reduced commuting emissions, encourages electric vehicle use by adding charging stations, and works to reduce business travel emissions.

3. Waste Management
   UM aims to create a zero waste plan by reducing waste production, increasing recycling efforts, and enhancing composting and reuse programs on campus.

4. Land and Nature
   UM manages its campus lands to offset carbon emissions by promoting native vegetation, improving forestry management, and involving Indigenous perspectives in land stewardship.

Community Involvement and Indigenous Collaboration

UM’s climate efforts extend beyond campus walls. The university collaborates with Indigenous groups, governments, and local communities to co-develop projects that build climate resilience and environmental stewardship. For example, UM’s Indigenous land-based education programs connect students and elders to explore sustainable practices deeply rooted in Indigenous knowledge.

UM also hosts public events, such as Arctic Science Day, educating youth about climate change impacts in the Arctic and inspiring future leaders.

Research and Innovation: UM’s Global Contribution to Climate Science

UM is known worldwide for its climate research, especially in Arctic and northern studies. Its faculty actively contributes to national climate policies and international scientific programs. More than 120 research projects focus on sustainable development, innovation in energy solutions, and environmental protection.

This leadership in research ensures that UM remains at the forefront of climate science, influencing decisions that affect the planet’s future.

Student and Staff Engagement: Building a Climate-Conscious Community

The journey to sustainability at UM is a community effort. Student groups like UMEARTH and Engineers Without Borders actively participate in campaigns and projects to reduce carbon footprints and raise awareness. Staff members contribute through programs promoting green office practices and support for innovative sustainability ideas.

Achievements and Ongoing Progress

UM’s emission data shows steady improvement. From 2019 to 2023, total carbon emissions decreased, confirming that the university is on track to meet its 2030 goal. Nearly all electricity consumed is renewable, primarily hydroelectric power.

UM has also started many small but important initiatives, such as recovering helium for experiments, replacing thousands of water fixtures with low-flow models, and creating sustainable living communities on and off campus.