Geoffrey is a geographer in IISD's Water Program.
His research focuses on applications of technology to enhance policy in the water sphere, from improving management of big scientific data to the social frameworks we need to empower people with new innovations. He is currently exploring the potential for new technologies to improve the connection between communities and their water, and how public and private organizations can successfully turn their data into smarter decisions. The projects that Geoff manages include the Manitoba Bioeconomy Atlas, IISD Experimental Lakes Area’s long-term whole-ecosystem dataset and an upcoming project exploring artificial intelligence and big-ecosystem data.
Geoff completed his MSc. at the University of Manitoba exploring sea ice-atmosphere-ocean interactions in the Canadian Arctic.
All Publications
- Geography Matters: Targeting "hotspots" for cumulative environmental benefits
Briefing Note - June 6, 2019
Using open data from a variety of sources, we demonstrated how Manitoba can target its limited resources to deliver public programming to agricultural regions and gain better outcomes. - Making Winnipeg a Smart City With New Technologies
Blog - November 7, 2018
We asked four members of our Winnipeg team how they would tackle some of Winnipeg’s most pressing issues: This is what they came up with. - How The World is Using New Technologies for a Sustainable Planet
Report - October 5, 2018
Across the globe, innovations from the Internet of Things to Artificial Intelligence are building a sustainable future for all. This beautiful storybook takes you through just a few examples. - Harnessing the Flow of Data: Fintech opportunities for ecosystem management
Report - September 12, 2018
This report explores how new technologies—like big data, the Internet of things, blockchain and artificial intelligence—can support smarter ecosystem management. - High-tech data needed to stop sewage overflows
Blog - August 28, 2018
Financial sector technology could help as cities struggle with waste. - Big Data for Resilience
Commentary - June 27, 2018
Summary of a recent event looking at the links between Big Data, resilience and achieving long-term development goals, and the implications for practitioners, policy-makers and researchers. - Using Financial Technologies for a More Sustainable Planet
Blog - June 14, 2018
If you have heard of the Internet of Things, big data, artificial intelligence and blockchain, then you have probably heard of "fintech." We explore how these financial technologies could be applied to create a more sustainable planet. - The Social and Environmental Benefits of Manitoba's Community Pastures
Report - March 13, 2018
A total economic value analysis of Manitoba's community pastures, demonstrating the private and public benefits of sustainable grazing management. - Manitoba Bioeconomy Atlas
Interactive - November 20, 2017
The Manitoba Bioeconomy Atlas demonstrates the economic and ecological value of common wetland plants as a marketable feedstock for biomass energy—all with the goal of creating a healthier Lake Winnipeg basin and developing a Manitoba bioeconomy. - Manitoba Prairie Lakes: Mass balance budget for nutrient management at Pelican Lake, Manitoba
Report - October 10, 2017
This study documents the variance and relative importance of different nutrient sources and internal lake processes for a Prairie lake (Pelican Lake, Manitoba). - Big Data: What is it? How Can It Help Advance Sustainable Development?
Blog - June 26, 2017
What is big data and how could it help advance sustainable development? We sat down with Geoff Gunn from our Water Program to learn more. - Large Area Planning in the Nelson-Churchill River Basin (NCRB): Laying a foundation in northern Manitoba
Report - November 23, 2016
This report explores two trends—the growing tendency towards large basin management and consideration of ecosystem services in decision making—for the northern portion of the Nelson-Churchill River Basin in Canada. - Large Area Planning in the Nelson-Churchill River Basin (NCRB): Laying a foundation in northern Manitoba (Summary)
Report - November 23, 2016
This document summarizes a longer report that explores two trends—the growing tendency towards large basin management and consideration of ecosystem services in decision making—for the northern portion of the Nelson-Churchill River Basin in Canada. - IISD Experimental Lakes Area and Climate Change brochure
Brochure - December 11, 2015
IISD Experimental Lakes Area brings a 47 year (1969–present) history of monitoring climate, water quality and fisheries in a unique whole-ecosystem laboratory setting.