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Earth and Environmental Science

The soils beneath the solar fields
Hannah Win takes soil samples at a solar site.

To take soil samples at the solar site, Hannah Winn wields a bulb planter and mixes samples from across locations, looking at variables such that reflect the biological, chemical, and physical properties of the soil.

(Image: Courtesy of AES)

The soils beneath the solar fields

How do solar farms impact soil health? It’s a question that master’s student Hannah Winn is exploring at the central Pennsylvania site where solar energy production is helping Penn progress toward carbon neutrality.

Katherine Unger Baillie

We don’t have time for climate misinformation
The New York Times

We don’t have time for climate misinformation

In a co-written Op-Ed, Michael Mann of the School of Arts & Sciences says that meaningful decarbonization in the U.S. is in jeopardy of being blocked or slowed if a significant portion of the electorate does not accept the basic scientific facts and implications of climate change.

COP28 takeaways
Four speakers sit on a stage in front of a screen reading Perry World House and the Penn shield, in front of a packed audience at Perry World House.

The panelists at Perry World House shared their thoughts on the strides made at COP28, and the work that remains in addressing the climate crisis.

(Image: Courtesy of Perry World House)

COP28 takeaways

Perry World House Fellows and Advisors Lolita Jackson, Stephen Hammer, and Wolfgang Blau offered their insights from the conference in a discussion last week, moderated by Perry World House Interim Director Michael Weisberg.

Kristen de Groot

The Doomsday Clock reveals how close we are to total annihilation
CNN

The Doomsday Clock reveals how close we are to total annihilation

Michael Mann of the School of Arts & Sciences says that the Doomsday Clock, while an imperfect metaphor, remains an important rhetorical device to remind people of the tenuousness of their current existence.

Climate change and atmospheric dynamics unveil future weather extremes
Canal middle agricultural dry by drought and heatwave on summer. water crisis and water stress on summer during long term drought on summer.

A collaborative team of researchers led by Michael Mann of the School of Arts & Sciences have found the interplay of natural systems and human-induced climate change are setting the stage for more frequent and severe weather events.

(Image/iStock / Piyaset)

Climate change and atmospheric dynamics unveil future weather extremes

A collaborative team of researchers led by Michael Mann of the School of Arts & Sciences have found the interplay of natural systems and human-induced climate change are setting the stage for more frequent and severe weather events.
What happens when humans stop emitting carbon dioxide?
PBS

What happens when humans stop emitting carbon dioxide?

Michael Mann of the School of Arts & Sciences appears on “The Sweaty Penguin” to clarify misconceptions about a “carbon lag” that would supposedly continue warming the planet for decades, even after humans stopped emitting carbon dioxide.

The Endangered Species Act at 50
herring swimming

(On homepage) River herring, also known as alewives, swim in a stream in Franklin, Maine. The fish were once headed for the endangered species list but have been making a comeback in some U.S. states.

(Image: AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

The Endangered Species Act at 50

Ahead of the anniversary, experts from four schools across the University share their thoughts on the landmark legislation.

Kristen de Groot

Inclusive, ambitious research to meet the needs of a changing planet
vast soy bean field with clouds

(Image: iStock/oticki)

Inclusive, ambitious research to meet the needs of a changing planet

Collaborative research communities supported by the Environmental Innovations Initiative are addressing issues related to climate action, stewardship of nature, and societal resilience.

Katherine Unger Baillie