The Western Climate Centre - WeCLISH
The Western Centre for Climate Change, Sustainable Livelihoods and Health (WeCLISH) is one of the eight governing research centres of the Faculty of Social Science’s Network for Economic and Social Trends (NEST). Established in 2021, WeCLISH is housed in the Department of Geography and Environment at Western University. It is also known as the Western Climate Centre.
WeCLISH leverages existing resources, infrastructure and personnel across multiple disciplines and departments in Western University and globally for consolidating and leading research aimed at i) generating climate change knowledge to improve resource governance; ii) working with local partners on climate change impacts and responses; and iii) generating research for large scale projects relating to climate change, sustainable food systems, and health.
The Centre adopts a collaborative interdisciplinary approach to allow researchers, policymakers, development practitioners, civil society organizations, local communities, and students to co-produce relevant knowledge for addressing global environmental issues.
As the focal point for scholars and students from diverse disciplines engaged in research related to climate change, food and water security, environmental hazards, health, spatial science and agriculture at Western University and globally, WeCLISH harnesses the best from these disciplines to collaboratively address environmental challenges in line with international efforts such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
By promoting interdisciplinarity, increasing the international profile of Western, and attracting and retaining top students, the Centre contributes to the advancement of Western’s Strategic Plan. The Centre’s operational model is based on a deep commitment to community partnerships and ensuring that all contributions are shared, listened to, and valued, through active participation in the activities and governance WeCLISH.
