MEOPAR continues to advance EDIA in the ocean and atmospheric sciences through sectorial partnerships

This winter, MEOPAR teamed up with the Canadian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society (CMOS), the Black Environmental Initiative (BEI), and the Canadian Water Resource Association (CWRA) to work together on their Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity (EDI) Initiative funded by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC).  This project aims to identify gaps, barriers, and initiatives; as well as recommend actions to enable a more inclusive, diverse, and accessible workforce. This will enable increased representation of Black and Indigenous people, and people living with disabilities. The secondary objective aims to enhance interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering & mathematics) by assessing and refining programs and initiatives offered by project partners.  The project report provides CMOS with the research and knowledge-gathering required to begin addressing EDIA within all aspects of their society, laying the groundwork for future action within the organization and within the larger weather, water, and climate enterprise (WWC). It examines best practices relating to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA) that can be implemented by CMOS in detail, covering membership landscape, governance, communications, EDIA training, education and professional development, mentoring and networking, awards, prizes, fellowships, scholarships, annual congress meetings, advocacy within the WWC enterprise, and EDIA assistance. The recommendation summaries in Appendix E and F can be scaled and modified to meet the needs of other organizations within and outside the WWC.  

Poster created by Alexa Goodman, MEOPAR’s Training Program Manager

As part of our commitment to leveraging our resources and knowledge in EDIA within the ocean, climate, and environmental science sectors, CMOS and MEOPAR intend to maximize our efforts and resources. By partnering on this project, the group can learn over time to develop future actions and programming. For example, at the CMOS Congress scheduled for May 31, 2023, this initiative will serve as a springboard for an engaging discussion about EDIA within research, which will include a short presentation about the project’s findings. MEOPAR hopes to include CMOS representatives in its EDIA Task Team if its application to the Strategic Science Fund is successful.  By supporting and implementing the recommendations outlined in the report mutually, MEOPAR intends to foster this ongoing collaboration.   For more information about the project, visit CMOS’ project page.