Environment

Christopher Warshaw: Mapping a Democracy

At MIT, Dalai Lama calls for better stewardship of Earth’s resourcesTibetan Buddhist leader urges a more enlightened view of self-interest in remarks at MIT conference.

The mathematics of leaf decayA mathematical model reveals commonality within the diversity of leaf decay.

In profile: Chris ZegrasMIT urban planner builds tools that help designers make cities cleaner and greener.

Study maps pollution’s pathway to the Arctic, sets path for future researchMIT researchers have built a model that will be further developed as part of an NSF-funded project to track how chemicals get to remote Arctic environments.

Designing with damaged landA citizens’ guide to reclaiming abandoned mine sites ecologically

Lead from gasoline discovered in Indian OceanLevels began to climb in the 1970s, peaking a decade ago — a timeline consistent with the region’s pattern of leaded gasoline use.

Seeing Green: Saving Forests or Food Prices?A growing population and rapid development will put a strain on land used to grow food over the next century. But if reforestation is used to avoid climate change it will create further strain, says a new MIT study.

MIT community takes the Earth Day ChallengeTake Action! Earn Points! Win Prizes!

From yeast, researchers learn how populations collapseFindings could help fishery and wildlife managers monitor their stocks before disaster strikes.

Oxygen-separation membranes could aid in CO2 reductionCeramic membranes may reduce carbon dioxide emissions from gas and coal-fired powerplants.

Nuclear science and engineering graduate students win NEUP fellowshipsBlack, Boyd and Shaner among 31 recipients

Communicating the climate challengeNew York Times’ Andrew Revkin shares lessons with MIT faculty, students at Earth Day colloquium.

New study links air pollution and early death in the U.K.Researchers find car exhaust causes more premature deaths than car accidents.

Calculating the cost of advanced manufacturingThe Environmentally Benign Manufacturing group studies the life cycle of new technologies.

Sloan PhD student walks the walk in sustainabilityParrot helped accelerate sustainability efforts at the Institute alongside academic work.

Growing population will increase global climate challengesMIT report shows China and developing nations will come to dominate emissions that promote climate change

Alumni bring Turks and Armenians together for joint initiativeProfessional workshops focus on environmental sustainability.

Q&A with Rosalind Williams on history in the age of human empireNew book examines the critical juncture when human endeavors began to dominate the planet.

Toying with biological systemsBy swapping microbial genes, Chris Voigt designs cells with novel functions.

EPA air chief talks energy, environment with MIT experts

Designing policies to curb fuel use, GHG emissions

Knittel named first energy faculty chair at MIT

Five-year effort by Campus Energy Task Force saves MIT millions of dollars, kilowatt-hours

Proposal for MIT Global Environment Initiative seeks public commentInitiative expected to focus on six broad environmental research themes.

Garbage to GlamorousNext House 'Trashion' show wows nearly 100 spectators with eco-friendly outfits, taps into community resources.

Using wheels to reduce a carbon footprintFacilities' new electric vehicle is powered by a battery and generates no emissions.