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SDG 13 - Climate Action
The Impact Project
Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
Tarun Katapally – Climate and Digital Health Researcher
Tarun explores how mobile technology and community-generated data can help address the health effects of climate change. His research considers how digital tools could predict climate-related risks such as flooding, warn vulnerable populations and support emergency response before and during disasters. The connection between citizen participation, health equity and climate-risk management strengthens resilience and adaptive capacity in support of SDG 13.
Egide Kalisa – Air Quality and Environmental Health Advocate
Through the Breathe Easy initiative, Egide engages students in Rwanda in monitoring air pollution and advocating for healthier communities. The program combines air-quality sensors, educational workshops and anti-idling campaigns that encourage families to reduce vehicle emissions. This approach helps young people understand environmental risks and lead practical community action, advancing SDG 13 through climate education, public participation and emissions awareness.
Chris Guglielmo – Climate and Migratory Bird Researcher
Through Western’s Centre for Animals on the Move, Chris studies how migratory birds respond to changing environmental conditions, including extreme weather, wildfire smoke and habitat disruption. Data collected using electronic tracking technology is shared with researchers and policymakers to improve understanding of climate change’s effects on wildlife. His work supports evidence-based climate planning and strengthens scientific capacity to anticipate how ecosystems will respond to environmental change.
Tima Bansal – Sustainability and Strategy Expert
Through Innovation North, Tima works with businesses to develop strategies that respond to environmental and climate-related challenges while supporting long-term organizational success. Her projects address areas such as sustainable insurance, soil health and biodiversity protection. Tima's work helps industries reconsider their relationship with natural systems and embed sustainability into innovation and decision-making, supporting the integration of climate action into business strategy under SDG 13.
Susana Caxaj – Migrant Farmworker Health and Housing Advocate
Susana advocates for safer housing and stronger protections for migrant agricultural workers, who may face hazardous conditions while working under extreme heat and wildfire smoke. Her research-informed recommendations emphasize appropriate housing, health and safety standards, meaningful enforcement and coordinated government action. By addressing the heightened vulnerability of agricultural workers to climate-related hazards, her work contributes to SDG 13’s focus on resilience and adaptive capacity.
Sheri Molnar – Disaster-Resilience and Community Planning Researcher
Sheri leads the Metro Vancouver Seismic Microzonation Mapping Project, producing detailed hazard maps that support safer buildings, emergency management and evidence-based municipal planning. Although the project focuses on earthquakes, its approach demonstrates how scientific evidence can help communities understand risks and prepare for disasters. The planning model complements SDG 13’s broader emphasis on resilience, preparedness and reducing vulnerability to natural hazards.