Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation.
Functioning and resilient infrastructure projects are the foundation for successful communities, but our infrastructure and industries must be continuously re-imagined and upgraded. Goal 9 ensures the promotion of innovative sustainable technologies and equal and universal access to information and financial markets, which are paramount to the socio-economic inclusion of all. EUC is engaged in an array of infrastructure projects dedicated to improving community outcomes locally and globally.
Climate Solutions Park
The Climate Solutions Park (CSP) is a testament to EUC’s dedication to tackling the climate crisis through innovative infrastructure solutions. With a focus on community-based agriculture, renewable energy, electric mobility, First Nations knowledge, sustainable construction, eco-tourism, and experiential learning, the Climate Solutions Park is providing students with the physical infrastructure they need become global change-makers. The CSP is an environmental park, living-lab and a community leadership institute developing and showcasing the most innovative and efficient solutions to the climate emergency.
Rethinking Canada’s competition policy in the digital economy should deal with Big Tech
Understanding the broad impacts of web-based technologies is critical to building more sustainable and prosperous societies. Kean Birch investigates digital & data economies in Canada, and advocates for Canada to challenge its relationship with Big Tech by looking towards EU regulations on exploitative digital platforms. Birch’s work is helping create online infrastructure that is more equitable and better serves society.
The Role of Informal Networks in the Protection of Public Transport in Nairobi
Jane Lumumba’s PhD dissertation uses a combination of qualitative methods (storytelling, interviews, social network mapping) to better understand the web of informal networks in the matatu industry leading to the understanding of how prevention and preparedness is employed for protection. The research area is in the city of Nairobi, Kenya, a significant economic regional hub in East Africa and the continent at large and has the largest number of registered matatu vehicles as the main passenger transport service.
Sand and stone materials mining in the Jeneberang River in South Sulawesi, Indonesia
Wendy de Loera’s dissertation explores the extractive industry of river sand and stone materials by drawing on empirical research in the Jeneberang river in South Sulawesi province, Indonesia. Her research focuses on a local/regional case of river sand and stone materials extraction that could be considered as ‘common’ when compared to documented cases of sand mining that entail massive extraction for international markets and its global trade. It is ‘ordinary’ in the sense that mining of sand and stones in the Jeneberang river takes place for supplying construction materials to the nearest cities for their further urbanization, and the estimated volumes extracted are in line with this demand. The case explored in her dissertation is representative of many other experiences with river sand and stones mining around the world.
The future of cities in the wake of the pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed global infrastructure weaknesses, including here in Toronto. For example, with the new realization of a spreadable virus, residents became more attuned to how narrow the sidewalks are, and the car-centric planning of neighbourhoods. EUC researchers such as Valerie Preston and Roger Keil are actively reimagining Toronto infrastructure to better serve its residents – a Toronto with less of an emphasis on cars, and better public transit.
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