Dr. James Byrne's research hopes to advance climate change action to protect humanity, ecosystems, and water systems

Young people should be pushing older generations to act on climate change. The solutions are clear, economically viable, and in fact, we can create a new and better society and economy with the renewable energy transition. Addressing climate change is the next big global economic boom.

What is your specific area of research?

Environmental change impacts, solutions, climate change and water.

Tell us about your interest in water research.

My interest in water research was first sparked in a class during my undergraduate in the 1970s. Today, my research program focuses on environmental change impacts, solutions, climate change and water. I'm excited about finding solutions to big environmental problems. My hope is my work will advance climate change action to protect humanity, ecosystems and water systems.

Why is your research important? What are the local, national and global implications?

The impacts of climate change on all geographic scales are huge. Society has to take dramatic action very soon to limit climate change, or we will be faced with terrible health, environmental and financial losses.

In 2020 and beyond, a number of University of Lethbridge faculty have collaborated with the regional community have created the Climate Hub of Southern Alberta (CHSA). Through CHSA, we are providing research, advice and direction on climate change mitigation, adaptation, and building resilience in our regional community, and beyond. If you’re interested in CHSA, please contact us at climatehubsa@gmail.com

CHSA has recently published a number of opinion articles on positive ways to build our regional economy and create employment through action on climate change. These article are available on the links below:

• 2020 Economy and employment: Booming the southern Prairies
• 2020 Alberta's cities can lead job recovery by buying renewable energy
• 2020 Enmax should declare a net-zero emissions target for 2050

What words of inspiration would you like to share with the next generation of researchers?

Young people should be pushing older generations to act on climate change. The solutions are clear, economically viable, and in fact, we can create a new and better society and economy with the renewable energy transition. Addressing climate change is the next big global economic and employment boom.