In early January headlines declared 2023 the hottest year on record, an exclamation point on a dramatic and devastating year of climate news.

When the news broke, we at Western News asked ourselves, “what does the hottest year on record actually mean?”  We wanted to go beyond the headlines.

Welcome to “Our Warming Planet.”

Launched on Earth Day 2024, this new series explores the consequences of climate change and solutions for a sustainable future.

Sustainability lies at the heart of the university’s strategic plan, emphasizing collaboration and innovation for bold solutions. Throughout this series, we’ll speak to Western experts on the front lines of climate change science and those innovating to adapt to a warming world.

From extreme weather and agricultural impacts to intersections with Indigenous knowledge and artistic expression, the stories will feature a diverse range of research areas impacted by climate change.

It’s not just about science. No discipline is left untouched by the rapidly warming world.