4/16
Amanda Mott
Director of News and Media
ammott@upenn.edu
Climate Change
In a warming world, chief heat officers help adapt, prepare, and protect
In a warming world, chief heat officers help adapt, prepare, and protect
In advance of Perry World House’s Global Shifts Colloquium on extreme heat in urban areas, Penn Today spoke with chief heat officers about their role in influencing public awareness, preparedness, and policy.
The hidden costs of AI: Impending energy and resource strain
The hidden costs of AI: Impending energy and resource strain
AI models like ChatGPT have seen notable improvements, but some people are concerned about the societal impacts these new technologies may bring. Deep Jariwala and Benjamin C. Lee discuss energy and resource problems with AI computing.
Weitzman’s first dual degree student in Fine Arts and Historic Preservation
Weitzman’s first dual degree student in Fine Arts and Historic Preservation
In a Q&A, Aislinn Pentecost-Farren discusses her road to the dual degree program and how the legacy of historic sites is foundational to the climate crisis.
The storm of 1928 and the tempest’s legacies
The storm of 1928 and the tempest’s legacies
Brett Robert’s research looks at a hurricane that killed thousands across the Caribbean and into Florida. His work explores how racial relationships shape the way people live and die within their environments.
From glacier ice, a wealth of scientific data
From glacier ice, a wealth of scientific data
Biogeochemist Jon Hawkings of the School of Arts & Sciences and his lab study glaciers to understand the cycling of elements through Earth’s waters, soils, and air in its coldest regions, with implications for climate change, ecosystem health, and more.
Five takeaways from the Climate and Sustainability Action Plan 3.0 FY22 Annual Report
Five takeaways from the Climate and Sustainability Action Plan 3.0 FY22 Annual Report
The University-wide report outlines progress during the last year toward sustainability goals made in academics, waste minimization, utilities and operations, purchasing, transportation, and outreach and engagement.
Our 15 favorite stories from 2022
Our 15 favorite stories from 2022
From interdisciplinary research and life-changing discoveries to a new University president and everything in between, this year at Penn has been one for the books.
How dark money fuels climate denialism
How dark money fuels climate denialism
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse joined Penn faculty to discuss distrust in science, the fossil fuel industry, and the conservative Supreme Court.
At COP27, Penn showcased its diverse climate expertise on the world stage
At COP27, Penn showcased its diverse climate expertise on the world stage
More than 30 representatives from the University traveled to Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, for two weeks of negotiations at this year’s United Nations climate change conference.
Where does charcoal come from—and is it sustainable?
Where does charcoal come from—and is it sustainable?
Charcoal energizes everything from backyard barbecues to industrial metallurgy, but its environmental impact is worse than once thought. Research from the School of Arts & Sciences finds that policy changes could make charcoal more sustainable.
Media Contact
In the News
Associated Press
Here’s why experts don’t think cloud seeding played a role in Dubai’s downpour
Michael Mann of the School of Arts & Sciences says that many people blaming cloud seeding for Dubai storms are climate change deniers trying to divert attention from what’s really happening.
FULL STORY →
The New York Times
We don’t see what climate change is doing to us
In an Op-Ed, R. Jisung Park of the School of Social Policy & Practice says that public discourse around climate change overlooks the buildup of slow, subtle costs and their impact on human systems.
FULL STORY →
Salon.com
“Record-shattering” heat wave in Antarctica — yep, climate change is the culprit
Michael Mann of the School of Arts & Sciences says that persistent summer weather extremes like heat waves are becoming more common as people continue to warm the planet with carbon pollution.
FULL STORY →
Sydney Morning Herald (Australia)
Scientists struggle to explain ‘really weird’ spike in world temperatures
Michael Mann of the School of Arts & Sciences says that tendencies to exaggerate climate science in favor of “doomist” narratives helps no one except the fossil fuel industry.
FULL STORY →
Vox.com
Spring is here very early. That’s not good
Michael Mann of the School of Arts & Sciences says that plant-flowering, tree-leafing, and egg-hatching are all markers associated with spring that are happening sooner.
FULL STORY →
Tampa Bay Times
Could Florida electric bills go up because of a fuel made from manure?
Danny Cullenward of the Kleinman Center for Energy Policy at the Weitzman School of Design says that federal and California state subsidies have led to a gold rush of companies trying to get into the business of renewable natural gas around the country.
FULL STORY →