McMaster University in Hamilton creates new climate change-focused scholarships

McMaster University in Hamilton announced the creation of new climate change-focused scholarships that will be introduced this fall.

Students from island nations will be supported in their graduate work at McMaster through these climate action awards, which recognize the disproportionate effects of climate change on Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

“McMaster is committed to prioritizing sustainability and climate action within our research and learning experiences and equipping our students with the knowledge and skills that they need to transform the world,” says president David Farrar. “

These climate action-focused scholarships are in keeping with our core mission and values to improve human and societal well-being, and we are looking forward to welcoming the first cohort of students who will benefit from this program.”

Two Masters of Science scholarships will be awarded as McMaster joins a network of other institutions, including the Universities of Cambridge, Toronto, Melbourne, and Montreal.

This effort was inspired by Prince Charles and developed by Stephen Toope, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge. The program is expected to support students in courses that engage with sustainability and help them develop their existing skills and knowledge to address the effects of climate change in their home countries.

“Climate change is a global challenge and we all have a role to play, as individuals and as organizations,” said Toope. “The launch of these new scholarships, in partnership with (Prince Charles), who has long been a  champion of environmental  causes, is an extension of our ongoing commitment.

“The students that these new scholarships are aimed at are likely to have experienced first-hand the severe effects of climate change, including flooding and erosion in their own countries and communities. The alumni of the program will form a cohort of talented people who will become future leaders and ambassadors in sustainability.”

SIDS are a distinct group of 38 United Nations (UN) member states and 20 Non-UN states that face unique social, economic, and environmental vulnerabilities.