Robert McLeman, Wilfrid Laurier University

Profile photo of Robert McLeman, expert at Wilfrid Laurier University

Professor Waterloo, Ontario rmcleman@wlu.ca Office: (519) 884-1970 ext. 2653

Bio/Research

I specialize in research on the human dimensions of environmental change, with particular attention to the relationship between environment and human migration; community adaptation to climatic variability and change; and, fostering citizen participation in environmental science.

As a fo...


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Bio/Research

I specialize in research on the human dimensions of environmental change, with particular attention to the relationship between environment and human migration; community adaptation to climatic variability and change; and, fostering citizen participation in environmental science.

As a former Canadian foreign service officer, I worked at Canadian diplomatic missions in Belgrade, Hong Kong, New Delhi, Seattle and Vienna. In recent years I have advised UN agencies, the World Bank, and governments in Canada, the US, and Europe on issues related to climate change, migration, and security. I am currently a Coordinating Lead Author for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s working group on impacts, vulnerability and adaptation.

I hold a PhD in Geography from the University of Guelph (2005), a Master of Science in Environmental Management from the University of Hong Kong (1995), and a Bachelor of Arts in Geography from the University of Western Ontario (1989).

My recent research projects include:
- Modelling drought impacts on population patterns on the North American Great Plains.

- Assessments of the impacts of climate change and drought on global migration patterns for the World Bank and the UN Convention on the Control of Desertification.

- Coordinating a conference on environmental migration to North America, funded by the US Department of State.

- Co-directing the popular citizen science projects RinkWatch and NatureWatch.


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