From energy shortages to water scarcity, Carolina is tackling environmental problems with expertise from every discipline. Building on the collaborative spirit of UNC-Chapel Hill, we offer multidisciplinary programs in research, education and service while integrating environmental studies and outreach opportunities into the student experience. We’re also committed to creating a more sustainable Carolina through the collective efforts of faculty, students and staff.
The rapid growth of the world’s population and an increasing demand for consumable goods and services are depleting natural resources and placing stresses on the environment. At the same time, vibrant economies and social justice are important factors in improving quality of life. Building a society that strengthens environmental quality, economic vitality and social justice creates a challenge — and opportunity — for Carolina’s environmental experts.
Carolina is already responding to this challenge by bringing together diverse groups of experts in law, business, medicine, policy, and biological, chemical, physical and environmental sciences to build a more sustainable Carolina and focus on the most significant environmental issues through research, education and service.
Alumni Distinguished Professor Rick Luettich is shedding light on past hurricanes while providing the tools to predict which areas will be most vulnerable to flooding in the future.
Early results from a UNC Water Institute study are upending much of what we thought we knew about safe sanitation practices.
An interdisciplinary team of humanities students and faculty are documenting climate change in Robeson County.
Two UNC-Chapel Hill applied mathematicians realized the beautiful holy lakes of the Himalayas could be a crystal ball into climate change.
Will Vizuete captures aerosols from around the world and brings them back for testing in his lab to improve our understanding of how air pollution forms.
A $40 million award will accelerate fundamental research of the production of fuels from sunlight.
Hard science and creative writing combine in a Carolina course that explores one of the state’s most magnificent treasures.
The Pavel Molchanov Scholars program makes experiential learning accessible to more students interested in critical environmental issues.
Carolina undergraduates traveled to Ecuador to take a closer look at the Andes Mountains' carbon sink.
A Chancellor’s Science Scholar is researching the intersection between the environment and human health.
The 21st Century Environmental Health Scholars program will help increase diversity and access to the field of environmental health sciences.
The Duke Energy Foundation funds Carolina programs that prepare future leaders for the energy workforce.
A collaborative is providing teachers with outdoor experiences and lesson plans through A Park for Every Child.
UNC Center for Galapagos Studies is reactivating the Galapagos economy through science, community and work.
A new center at Carolina’s Institute for the Environment is helping communities better prepare and plan for hurricanes and future risks posed by climate change.
UNC-Chapel Hill researcher Rachel Noble is studying the transmissibility of COVID-19 through water and the environment.
Carolina is leading the world in clean water and sanitation efforts, according to the 2020 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.
“It is more effective to fund resilience strategies than it is to rebuild after damage occurs," said Piehler, who is leading a $2 million research study.
Supported by the Carolina Sustainability Council, Sustainable Carolina is the University’s comprehensive initiative to fuel and harness the array of sustainability-related work throughout the campus and to integrate sustainability practice with its research, education and service activities.
Read MoreHarnessing the depth and breadth of environmental excellence at Carolina, we’re transforming our educational approaches, expanding our research enterprise, further engaging and informing our communities, and providing practical solutions to environmental challenges. Reach out to learn how you can support environmental initiatives at Carolina.
Sherry Brennan
Executive Director of Development for Constituent Programs
[email protected]
919-962-3510
