From agriculture to artwork and health care to politics, climate change is reshaping every part of our lives. The crisis is here – a code red or a tipping point, as Western researchers described it – but it’s not time to throw up our hands.
Our Warming Planet, a series launched on Earth Day 2024, highlighted the stark realities and creative solutions across sectors as the planet gets hotter.
Western scholars offered unique ideas and clear calls to action in stories throughout the year. Read all their insights here.
To mark the conclusion of the series, Western News went back to the experts and innovators featured in Our Warming Planet to ask for their advice. In honour of Earth Day 2025, Western faculty members share actionable tips to drive impact in your own life while pushing for systemic changes.
‘We need everybody’: Mitigating climate change requires creativity, thinking differently
Geography and environment professor Katrina Eyvindson:
“The geopolitical and economic landscapes are in flux, making it difficult to stay positive and focus our attention on the complex global challenge of climate change. Now, more than ever, it is critical to educate ourselves about climate change and stay committed to making changes to ensure we leave the Earth a better place for future generations. An easy way to become involved is to make an informed vote in the upcoming federal election. Let’s make sure we are on the right pathway for a good future.”
Biology professor Brian Branfireun:
“To echo the great ideas of Dr. Susan Solomon (atmospheric science expert at MIT), for us to really tackle a complex environmental problem, it needs to be personal and perceptible to the average person, and the solution needs to be seen as practical. More of us than ever can now say that we have personal experience with the effects of climate change, like extreme heat and weather or forest fire smoke. It’s the perception that climate solutions are impractical which is holding us back, when in fact they aren’t impractical at all. We simply have to agree that ensuring a habitable Earth for future generations of humanity is important. Strategies for reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide and protecting carbon-storing ecosystems are well-developed – we simply need to collectively empower decision-makers to move forward on this path.”
Record warming: How should Canada, its cities and citizens adapt?
Professor emeritus Gordon McBean:
“In recognition that the climate is changing, take personal actions to reduce your exposure and vulnerability to climate change events to reduce the climate change impacts.”
Earth sciences professor Yanping Li:
“As climate change challenges our ability to grow food, collective action is critical. Communities, industry groups and policymakers must work together to support sustainable farming practices, invest in climate-resilient crops and improve water and soil management systems. By coordinating research, sharing resources and implementing regional strategies, we can strengthen food security and help Canadian agriculture adapt to a rapidly changing climate.”
(Western Communications)
Interconnected crisis: Declining planetary and population health
Health sciences professor Lesley Gittings:
“The health of our planet and the health of its people are inextricably intertwined. Taking care of our planet is taking care of its people!”
‘Over a tipping point:’ Rising temperatures hit plants and animals
Psychology professor Scott MacDougall-Shackleton:
“To face the challenges of climate change we can all take steps to reduce our carbon footprint and environmental impacts. This includes making informed decisions about home energy use, our transportation choices, and the food we eat. However, individual consumer choices are not enough. Reducing future climate change and coping with existing changes will require policy changes and commitment at international, national, provincial and municipal levels. We can all contribute to these policies through civic engagement and voting.”
“Dodo in a Landscape with Animals” (c. 1629), painted by Roelandt Savery (1576–1639). Oil on wood.
Toward a sustainable future through art and literature
Visual arts professor Kirsty Robertson:
“I think it’s worth remembering that working with your hands and making environmentally conscious choices can bring a deep sense of joy and fulfilment. While we now know about the mental health benefits of being around art – like visiting a museum or gallery – we may think less about how making art is just as valuable. Creating art supports well-being and it also builds practical skills and deepens our understanding of different materials –knowledge that’s both rewarding and useful.”
English and writing studies professor Joshua Schuster:
“My call to action is to do what I think is still one of the most radical things we can do as environmental beings: read a book. Quick suggestions going from darker to brighter themes: Octavia Butler, Parable of the Sower, Marlen Haushofer, The Wall, Samantha Harvey, Orbital. And one follow up: From time to time, look around you, consider how that giant tree grew from a tiny seed, or how that bird knows to fly from tree to tree, or how everything on Earth takes part in the gift of the sun.”
Canadians know climate change is happening, but do they care?
Political science professor Laura Stephenson:
“The challenge for Canada is that immediate stresses can make public opinion focus on which policies can fix things now, rather than what can be done now that can contribute to fixing things while also helping – or at least not hurting – the environment. The latter calls for a bit of patience to achieve a long-term payoff. Innovative solutions do exist, so it’s a matter of selling them to the Canadian public so that politicians aren’t torn between doing what will win them votes and what scientists tell them is needed.”
Ivey Business School professor Brandon Schaufele:
“Fighting climate change requires sustained commitment over generations, so we must not be discouraged by short-term setbacks. While conventional approaches remain essential, we should also be open to exploring carefully researched unorthodox solutions like solar geoengineering, carbon removal technologies and other innovative interventions that may provide valuable tools in our diverse climate response toolkit.”
