The Canadian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society’s (CMOS) Equity, Diversity, Inclusivity and Accessibility (EDIA) Initiative was funded by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), and supported by project partners: Black Environmental Initiative (BEI), Canadian Water Resources Association (CWRA) and the Marine Environmental Observation, Prediction and Response Network (MEOPAR). The final project report (found below) provides the preliminary research and knowledge-gathering needed for CMOS to begin to address EDIA within all facets of their society, and lays the groundwork for future action within CMOS, and the greater weather, water and climate (WWC) enterprise. A one page summary poster is provided below.

The overall objective of this project was to identify gaps, barriers, and initiatives; as well as recommended actions to enable a more inclusive, diverse and accessible workforce for increased representation from Black, Indigenous, and people living with disabilities. The secondary objective was to assess and reshape specific programs and initiatives offered by project partners, to ensure that gaps are identified and opportunities are promoted and supported in an ongoing manner for membership, as well as government, private sector and academic partners with a focus on student, education and outreach initiatives to enhance interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) from underrepresented communities, while offering resources for teachers and practitioners. 

After providing an overview of the CMOS EDIA journey, the contributing and additional partnerships, both research and community-based, with implications for the greater WWC enterprise, the report goes in depth with an analysis of equity, diversity, inclusivity and accessibility (EDIA) best practices that can be implemented by CMOS. The analysis covers membership landscape, governance, communications, EDIA training, education and professional development, mentoring and networking, awards, prizes, fellowships and scholarships, annual congress meetings, advocacy within the WWC enterprise, and assistance with EDIA. Resources are provided at the end of the document, and a summary of the recommendations outlined in this report are included in Appendices E and F, which can be scaled and modified for other organizations within the WWC and beyond.