Dr. Sarah Burch

Biography

Sarah Burch is a Professor and Canada Research Chair in Sustainability Governance Innovation at the University of Waterloo, where she serves as the Executive Director of the Waterloo Climate Institute. Her research focuses on transformative change in response to climate change and sustainability challenges, particularly examining the political justice dimensions of energy transitions. Burch has contributed to the United Nations’ Sixth Assessment Report and is involved in important projects that showcase the roles of small businesses in sustainability transitions. She has a robust academic background, with a PhD from the University of British Columbia and postdoctoral experience at the University of Oxford’s Environmental Change Institute. Burch has received several prestigious recognitions including being named to the Royal Society of Canada’s College of New Scholars and Canada's Top 40 Under 40. She teaches various courses on climate change governance and has authored a book on climate science, policy, and practice. Her work includes comparative policy analysis and institutional theory, exploring how communities can adapt to climate change through innovative partnerships and green infrastructure. Sarah believes in the importance of equity in sustainability efforts and emphasizes the role of participatory processes in governance.

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Awards