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Earth and Environmental Science

At COP27, Penn showcased its diverse climate expertise on the world stage
The American continent is seen on a revolving globe

Image: AP Photo/Peter Dejong

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.

Marilyn Perkins , Michele W. Berger , Michele W. Berger

Where does charcoal come from—and is it sustainable?
A man tends to a kiln and collects charcoal in front of a eucalyptus plantation.

Penn researchers say that there are more sustainable alternatives to eucalyptus plantation and charcoal production sites like this one in Kyegaliro, Uganda. (Image: Courtesy of Catherine Nabukalu).

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.

Marilyn Perkins

Physics of disaster: How mudslides move
A few people walk along a mountainside as some vegetation regrows after a wildfire

The Thomas Fire charred the hillsides above Montecito in late 2017, setting up conditions for mudslides in early 2018. (Image: Douglas Jerolmack)

Physics of disaster: How mudslides move

Researchers led by Douglas Jerolmack and Paulo Arratia used samples from the deadly 2018 Montecito mudslides to understand the complex forces at work in these disasters.

Katherine Unger Baillie

In court, the Maryland Public Service Commission quotes climate deniers and claims there’s no such thing as ‘clean’ energy

In court, the Maryland Public Service Commission quotes climate deniers and claims there’s no such thing as ‘clean’ energy

Michael Mann of the School of Arts & Sciences says that climate change deniers are shifting towards the promotion of false solutions like natural gas as outright denial becomes untenable.