Leaders in Climate Change and Environmental Research

Researchers across science, engineering, policy, and the humanities are developing practical, evidence-based approaches to reduce emissions, protect ecosystems, and help communities adapt to a changing climate.

From advancing green energy, low-carbon materials, and sustainable finance to safeguarding freshwater, biodiversity, and northern environments through Indigenous-led partnerships and long-term monitoring, Queen’s research translates knowledge into action.

Together, these efforts are shaping scalable solutions that support resilience, sustainability, and informed climate decision-making in Canada and globally.

Hooked by the High Arctic

For four decades, biologist John Smol has returned to the High Arctic, uncovering climate history and environmental change preserved in lake sediments. His pioneering work reshaped our understanding of climate impacts, pollution, and ecosystem loss, earning him the 2026 Mohn Prize for Outstanding Arctic Research.

A career dedicated to Arctic research

"Science is a team sport and I have always had excellent teams. It truly is a privilege to be a professor — creating knowledge as a researcher, and then communicating this knowledge with our teaching and public outreach."

John Smol
From his 2026 Mohn Prize for Outstanding Arctic Research acceptance speech

Dr. Smol's research on lake ecosystems and environmental change has advanced the field of paleolimnology and contributed to knowledge about the impacts of a changing climate..

A fresh take on protecting our waters

Researchers unite Indigenous and Western Knowledge to deliver climate change solutions for freshwater, using real-time monitoring to protect aquatic biodiversity and strengthen sustainable water stewardship in Eastern Ontario.

Freshwater and climate change solutions

Breaking down the value of plastic

Queen's researchers are leading climate change solutions through biochemical recycling, transforming plastic waste and advancing a circular economy that reduces emissions and environmental harm.

Plastics and climate change solutions

International effort to reduce concrete’s carbon footprint

Civil engineers Neil Hoult and Josh Woods advance climate change solutions by redesigning concrete for energy efficiency, slashing emissions through low-carbon materials, optimized structures, and real-world infrastructure demonstrations.

Construction and climate change solutions

Rethinking conservation in a changing climate

As the climate warms, species shift their population dynamics. Protecting future habitats — not just current ones — can safeguard biodiversity in a changing world.

Conservation and climate change solutions

What mud tells us about climate change

Queen’s researchers are decoding lake sediments to reveal human-driven environmental change and provide critical evidence to shape conservation policy and climate decision-making worldwide.

Solutions for assessing human impact on climate change

Research Centres and Institutes

ePOWER Centre

The Centre for Energy and Power Electronics Research (ePOWER) brings together academic and industry researchers to advance green energy and power electronics, including solar power, energy transmission, and application-specific systems.

Learn more about ePOWER

Institute for Sustainable Finance

By aligning financial markets with climate goals, the Institute for Sustainable Finance provides data, expertise, and solutions to support Canada’s transition to a prosperous, low-carbon economy.

Go to Institute for Sustainable Finance

Beaty Water Research Centre

The Beaty Water Research Centre advances interdisciplinary research on water governance, sustainability, and resource protection, fostering collaboration to support economic growth, social wellbeing, and healthy communities.

Explore Beaty Water Research Centre