MOMENTOUS ISSUES

Aglobal Pew Research survey conducted last spring revealed that Canadians consider the proliferation of online disinformation and climate change as the most serious threats of the modern age, edging out pandemic-era concerns about the global economy and infectious disease. Meanwhile, Nanos research conducted at roughly the same time placed COVID at the top, with freedom of speech second, and the environment third. For the first time ever, extremism also made the cut as a top concern, which, appearing with concerns around freedom of speech and online disinformation, speaks to the post-pandemic rifts Canadian society is currently facing.

As 2023 slowly emerges from the societal-encompassing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, these issues— some of which were overshadowed by pandemic-related crises, others fueled by them—have now moved to the forefront.

With Trent University announcing the launch of the Campaign for Momentous Change, TRENT Magazine is shining the spotlight on how Trent educators, researchers, and students are united in a goal of addressing these momentous issues head-on and producing ideas, leadership, and expertise that will confront and challenge the issues of today and tomorrow.

The Environment

Climate change is the leading global environmental issue of our time, and its impact permeates every aspect of life— business operations, politics and policy development, social justice movements, healthcare, law, and more.

To understand the intricate systems that drive both climate change and the issues that spill out of the climate crisis, we need collaboration, climate science experts, and innovators. Identifying new ways to mitigate and reverse the impacts of climate change is a focus of students in many disciplines across Trent. From developing novel chemical processes that turn carbon-rich waste into activated carbon, to addressing food insecurity through sustainable agriculture practices, and exploring the health of our lakes and forests, Trent students are leading change towards a sustainable future in our communities— locally and across the globe.

At its heart, Trent’s Faculty of Science pushes the boundaries of what’s possible. Through scientific research, experiential learning and community engagement, Trent students are helping to develop solutions to challenges such as the impact of chemical pollutants, the health of rivers and lakes, and the production (and need for reduction) of greenhouse gasses.

Trent’s Campaign for Momentous Change provides opportunities to support science students through scholarships, bursaries, travel funds, student wellness and more. It will support research in existing facilities such as Trent’s world-class Water Quality Centre and Biomaterials Research Lab, as well as new facilities to house the latest technologies, enabling Trent to become a powerful incubator of new discoveries.

Investments will empower our world-leading researchers and students to explore how we can build sustainable, symbiotic relationships with our planet and with each other.

Disinformation And The State Of Discourse

The COVID-19 pandemic, accompanied by a global rise in populist politics and decline of faith in scientific certainty and/or expertise in fields of knowledge, has helped usher in an era of societal polarization, “fake news,” and an erosion of productive social discourse. The proliferation of misinformation and conspiracy theories on social media and other platforms that began with COVID shows no sign of slowing down. This has led to a decline in trust in experts, scientists and institutions, including mainstream media and the healthcare system. At the same time, populist politics, with its emphasis on emotions and appeals to identity and nationalism, have contributed to the creation of echo chambers and the polarization of public opinion.

All of this has made it difficult (if not impossible, in many situations) to have meaningful conversations and debates, which has deepened these existing social and political divisions.

To counter this trend, it is essential to promote critical thinking, media literacy, and evidence-based decisionmaking, as well as to foster constructive dialogue and engagement across diverse perspectives—in short, all the hallmarks of a Trent education in the humanities. Trent equips students, not only with the tools to research, analyze and comprehend issues and ideas, but to question, challenge, compare and alter or build on them.

As Ontario’s top undergraduate university for the past 12 years (#2 in Canada for overall reputation), Trent has a well-earned reputation for equipping students with the critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills needed to navigate complex issues, engage in meaningful dialogue, and contribute to positive social change.

By exposing humanities and social sciences students to a wide range of perspectives and disciplines—and to interdisciplinarity—Trent helps students develop empathy, curiosity, and an appreciation for diverse cultures and ideas. This leaves them prepared to analyze and evaluate sources of information, and, equally as important, able to communicate effectively across different media platforms, and collaborate with others to address complex challenges.

The Campaign for Momentous Change will drive research and discovery in the liberal arts through collaboration with local and global communities. It will support Trent students as advocates for social and environmental justice, equity, and reconciliation. And it will create inspiring places that will steer solutions to society’s most pressing challenges.

Trent’s Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences has been educating global change leaders for more than 50 years. Current students work with renowned faculty, including 10 endowed chairs and Canada Research Chairs in the liberal arts; gain realworld, collaborative professional and business experiences through more than 20 new co-op streams; and gain global perspectives through study abroad opportunities.

The Campaign for Momentous Change will allow Trent to continue