Summary by Theresa Dearden
On February 11, 2025, UBC Okanagan hosted the Climate Conversation: Climate Research Round Table, an event bringing together faculty and students from diverse disciplines to explore research directions and opportunities for collaboration. Facilitated by Steffani Singh, an MSc student in Biology and past Climate Solutions Scholar, and Majidullah Shaikh, a postdoctoral researcher with the Applied Behaviour Change Lab, the roundtable encouraged dialogue on practical climate solutions across academic fields.
Participants from engineering, human geography, economics, chemistry, and gender studies shared their work on topics such as alternative transportation, animal population modeling, environmental economics, and community climate adaptation. Discussions highlighted the need to scale local initiatives for broader impact, improve knowledge mobilization, address misinformation, consider socio-environmental justice and integrate Indigenous perspectives into climate adaptation strategies. A key focus emerged around advancing interdisciplinary solutions at a systemic level. One case study featured a prototype air-conditioned bicycle, prompting conversations about commercialization, financial viability, and infrastructure changes to encourage adoption on campus. Proposed strategies included leveraging existing networks and policies such as the UBC Okanagan Sustainability Office, developing research which could lead to new policy incentives, subsidies, and improved facilities like safe parking.
The event underscored the need for facilitating stronger interdisciplinary collaboration, through more events such as the Climate Conversations curated around specific themes and solutions. Participants suggested optimizing the Solutions Scholars Program to support targeted climate research with opportunities for flexible participation by interested students, faculty, and community members which could foster long-term partnerships. The roundtable provided a foundation for future engagement and collaborative action on climate solutions at UBC Okanagan.
Are you in Kelowna and interested in the next Climate Conversation? Join us on Friday March 14, 12:00 - 1:30 for a discussion of Compound Hazards from many different disciplinary perspectives. All are welcome.
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Three participants share their thoughts on climate-related research activities at the Climate Conversation: Research Roundtable.
Photo by: Theresa Dearden
A design prototype for an air-conditioned bicycle is shared with participants at the Climate Conversation: Research Roundtable.
Photo by: Theresa Dearden