Prince George, B.C. – Associate Professor in the Department of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences Dr. Tristan Pearce has been reappointed as a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair (CRC) in Cumulative Impacts of Environmental Change. This reappointment recognizes Pearce’s continued leadership in addressing the complex challenges posed by climate change and his commitment to developing meaningful adaptation strategies for communities around the world. 

Building on his previous work, Pearce is now leading an ambitious international study that links climate change, food systems and health among Indigenous peoples across 13 different countries. This multi-university, multi-national initiative, known as the Indigenous Peoples Observatory Network (IPON), is funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) with a $1.5 million grant over three years. 

"This reappointment allows me to continue the important work of collaborating with communities in northern Canada and internationally to address the cumulative impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss," says Pearce. "By engaging with communities and other key contributors, we aim to co-produce knowledge that is both scientifically rigorous and grounded in local realities, contributing to more effective adaptation and mitigation strategies." 

Pearce’s research centers on blending Indigenous and local knowledge with Western scientific methods to enhance understanding and response to environmental changes. In the Canadian Arctic, for instance, he works closely with Inuit communities to examine how shifts in the marine environment impact fish and wildlife, which are essential for subsistence. This collaborative approach grounds the research in the lived experiences and priorities of the people it serves. 

The IPON initiative exemplifies this commitment to community-driven research. By involving Indigenous communities at every stage—from identifying research questions to collecting and interpreting data—Pearce and his team are working to develop solutions that are not only scientifically sound but also culturally relevant and sustainable. 

This work is crucial at a time when climate change is not just a future threat but a current reality. His research aims to inform policymakers at all levels, from local to global, on how to take effective action based on the lived experiences of those most affected by climate change. 

"Dr. Tristan Pearce’s work is shedding new light on the cumulative impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss,” said UNBC Vice President of Research and Innovation Dr. Paula Wood-Adams. “His dedication to collaborative, community-focused research is driving new pathways for adaptation and resilience, with impacts that will resonate far beyond Northern Canada." 

Dr. Pearce’s CRC re-appointment announcement came during a larger federal government announcement in support of research held by the Honourable Yasir Naqvi, Member of Parliament for Ottawa Centre and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health, on behalf of the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. As part of that announcement, UNBC also received $2,313,108 from the Research Support Fund and $44,634 Research Security Fund. These funds help the University maintain a leading-edge research environment and build capacity to identify, assess and mitigate potential risks to research security.  

For more information on Dr. Tristan Pearce’s research and other UNBC research initiatives, visit UNBC's Office of Research and Innovation page.