The University of Victoria is a leader among Canadian universities when it comes to climate impact research and programs, according to new international rankings released on Wednesday.

The 2024 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings placed UVic third in Canada and 13th in the world for its work toward implementing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

The University of Victoria not only embraces, but is guided by, the UN Sustainability Development Goals. In doing so, we are working together to create a healthier and more resilient future for all environments and all being on the planet. Being leaders in sustainable development is part of our identity, and we will continue to tackle local and global challenges through critical thought, collaboration, and perseverance. 

—Kevin Hall, UVic president and vice-chancellor

UVic is ranked second in Canada and fourth in the world for supporting sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11). Many researchers are supporting cities and communities to improve sustainability initiatives, from geography professor Jutta Gutberlet’s work with Brazilian waste pickers and mechanical engineering professor Caterina Valeo’s collaborations with cities on urban tree solutions, to engineering professor Curran Crawford’s investigations into equitable electric vehicle charging.

UVic researchers develop and share innovative strategies and solutions that support healthy, sustainable communities, and address global crises and our evolving world. We’re proud to be recognized again this year for our climate leadership, which includes developing integrated mitigation, adaptation and policy solutions with our partners around the world.

—Lisa Kalynchuk, UVic vice-president research and innovation

UVic ranked second in Canada and fifth globally for climate action (SDG 13). In addition to the wide array of research initiatives and scholarship focused on climate action, UVic also offers hands-on climate-inspired education including an undergraduate climate science degree and a first-of-its-kind, graduate-level coastal climate solutions leaders program.

Read more about the 2024 THE Impact Rankings.

Explore how UVic powers climate action impacts: www.uvic.ca/climatetraction.