The Institute on the Environment is reaching across traditional disciplines to develop bold new strategies that address the environmental, social and economic challenges of global sustainability. Our framework is strongly grounded in science, while engaging decision makers and the general public to achieve real-world outcomes.
We’re building our efforts around three grand challenges:
Energy and Climate Change
We’re creating the science, technology and policy structures needed to bring alternative energy sources to the mainstream through our signature program, the Initiative for Renewable Energy and the Environment. Focus areas range from biofuels, solar and wind to conservation, economics and energy efficiency. We’re also taking on the complex issues of climate change through our partnership with Climate Central, a nonprofit science and media organization.
Food, Land and Ecosystems
We’re tackling issues related to land use, deforestation, sustainable agriculture and food security from local to global scales. Our Global Landscapes Initiative provides unique expertise on monitoring, understanding and forecasting changes in Earth’s agriculture, food production and ecological systems, as well as precious land resources. We’re also working to inform policy and economic systems to ensure long-term sustainability of landscapes while meeting the basic needs of people across the planet.
Fresh Water
We’re dedicated to understanding and managing freshwater resources in a changing world. Our work considers linkages among human activities, the environment and the behavior of whole watersheds—including the lakes, wetlands, rivers and groundwater systems we depend on. For example, our Global Great Lakes project at the U of M, Duluth, aims to transform how the world’s freshwater lakes are viewed and managed. We’re also working with several partners in the Twin Cities through our River Life program, which brings together a community of experts around Mississippi riverfront revitalization.
