Latest News

CMAS Center hosts 23rd annual conference, shares new modeling software updates 

Bringing together academics and experts in the air quality field, CMAS hosted its 23rd conference. Read More

Responding to Hurricane Helene

See how the Institute mobilized efforts for disaster recovery in Western N.C. Read More

UNC study offering free well water testing on Dec. 6 to residents in Robeson, nearby counties

The study is meant to prevent and reduce harmful exposure to contaminated well water. Read More

Two-way water transfers can ensure reliability, save money for urban and agricultural users during drought in Western U.S., new study shows

A new study led by UNC researchers offers a solution to water scarcity during droughts. Read More

Curbing air pollution control devices would cost thousands of lives and billions of dollars

Sarav Arunachalam contributed to a new commentary in the American Journal of Public Health. Read More

Five Questions with Andrew Zachman ’19, ’24

Meet CARDNL research associate Andrew Zachman ’19, ’24.  Read More

Zealan Hoover ’13 delivers keynote on climate optimism for University Research Week

Zealan Hoover delivered a special keynote address on Oct. 23. Read More

Happy Heel-O-Ween!

Learn how Rada Petric is leading research to conserve bats in N.C. Read More

New white paper on private wells offers policy recommendations to protect clean drinking water in North Carolina 

A new white paper by Carolina researchers offers policy recommendations to protect water in N.C. Read More

Curbing Air Pollution Control Devices Would Cost Thousands of Lives and Billions of Dollars (BUSPH News | Oct. 25, 2024)

Sarav Arunachalam contributed to the editorial in the American Journal of Public Health. Read More

CPES provides environmental resources website for families impacted by Hurricane Helene

The resource is part of UNC’s effort to provide relief and recovery to impacted communities in N.C. Read More

University Research Week Round-Up for IE

Join the UNC Institute for the Environment at University Research Week Oct. 21-25! Read More

Roadmap will propel Carolina’s research enterprise (UNC News | Oct. 14, 2024)

The new strategic plan will ensure that Carolina’s research makes even greater impacts. Read More

Environmental law scholarship for undergraduates named in honor of outgoing board chair Bryan Brice ’85, ’90 

Brice’s family surprised him after the UNC IE BOV reception honoring his service to the board. Read More

Helene was a warning. NC must get ready for climate shocks | Opinion (News & Observer | Oct. 7, 2024)

Antonia Sebastian, who studies how climate and land-use changes affect flood hazards, weighs in. Read More

Burley, Cowan awarded IE’s 2024 Environmental Justice Graduate Research Scholarships  

Graduate students Katherine Burley (left) and Kristen Cowan (right) are this year’s recipients. Read More

IE’s CMAS Center holds 5th global air pollution conference in South America   

The 5th Community Modeling and Analysis System (CMAS) South America explored air pollution science. Read More

Five Questions with Kati McArdle

Meet new Center for Public Engagement with Science project coordinator Kati McArdle. Read More

Unlocking ocean power: $3.6M for community-centric wave energy converters

Lindsay Dubbs leads the project’s environmental risk assessments. Read More

Computer models evaluate risks before floods

Public health researchers estimate mortgage defaults and property abandonment. Read More

Tar Heels in the field

Students and faculty alike are stepping into the real world to conduct important research. Read More

Kenan Stadium To Host Second Annual Champion Sustainability Game Sept. 7

The home opener against Charlotte will also mark the second annual Champion Sustainability Game. Read More

Sediment: a lifeline to vulnerable marshes 

Carolina researchers are investigating ways to increase the resiliency of coastal marshes. Read More

Meet the 2024 Molchanov Scholars 

This summer, seven UNC undergraduate students were paired with environmentally-focused internships. Read More

From Riverbanks to Labs (Carolina Stories | Aug. 22, 2024)

Students dive into water studies during environmentally focused internships. Read More

Mapping Marsh Futures (Endeavors | Aug. 22, 2024)

Researchers from the Carolina Drone Lab use aerial imagery to assess marsh health. Read More

Announcing the Institute for Risk Management and Insurance Innovation (UNC Research | Aug. 8, 2024)

A major mission of IRMII will be to accelerate research on evaluating and managing risk. Read More

This summer’s heat won’t affect everyone equally – UNC researchers map heat stress disparities in Durham 

Extreme heat can be taxing on the mind and body, but its effects won’t be felt equally.   Read More

Five Questions with Sedona Ryan ’24

Meet Sedona Ryan ’24, a new research coordinator at the UNC Institute for the Environment. Read More

UNC-Chapel Hill research funding hits new milestone at $1.21B (UNC Research | July 18, 2024)

Investment in Carolina’s research enterprise grew in FY24. Read More

Beating the heat, one tree at a time: Sustainable Triangle Field Site explores heat vulnerability on campus  

STFS students investigated the roles that tree canopy cover and placement play in mitigating heat. Read More

‘Pretty alarming’: Researchers place over 40 sensors across Durham to monitor heat as nighttime temps rise

Angel Hsu and her team are studying heat exposure with heat sensors. Read More

Student researchers map heat on campus

Students gathered data to provide potential solutions to hotspots on campus. Read More

Energy LEAP engages N.C. high school students in latest energy science 

Students participated in a range of hands-on STEM activities throughout the week. Read More

Capstone students propose hypothetical small modular reactors to replace fossil fuel power plants in N.C., including one for UNC-Chapel Hill 

Students spent the semester researching different small modular reactors. Read More

Anchoring Communities

Lindsay Dubbs conducts research in the Outer Banks to protect marine ecosystems. Read More

Building Resilience for Our Planet and Beyond

Vice Chancellor for Research Penny Gordon-Larsen writes about building resilience for our planet. Read More

Informal water contracts could provide quicker, cheaper ways to reduce impact of droughts

A new study proposes cost-effective informal water contracts to reduce impacts of drought. Read More

Richard N.L. “Pete” Andrews (’70, ’72) leaves legacy of environmental leadership, service 

The Institute remembers Pete Andrews and his legacy of environmental leadership and public service. Read More

“Everyone has a role to play,” says Germany’s State Secretary and Special Envoy for International Climate Action

Jennifer Morgan came to UNC to speak to students about her career in the climate field.  Read More

Postcard from the Field: Thailand – John Cole McGee ’26

John Cole McGee ’26 shares his experience at the Thailand Field Site. Read More

UNC Cleantech Summit celebrates 10th anniversary with banner line-up of speakers, panelists

Around 1,200 attendees registered for this year’s event, many of whom traveled to North Carolina. Read More

Giving a second life to campus trees through sculpture 

UNC junior Sarah Dean narrates her experience as an artist and environmentalist at the event. Read More

Second annual research symposium highlights sustainability research across Carolina

Researchers led lightning talks showcasing sustainability research across UNC-Chapel Hill.  Read More

Join the BatPack to Help Conserve Bats

International Bat Appreciation Day is Apr. 17! Join the BatPack today! #EarthMonth #CitSciMonth Read More

Happy #EarthMonth!

See all of the ways Carolina is celebrating Earth Month. Read More

Institute for the Environment receives record number of gifts, lands on leaderboard for GiveUNC 

The Institute placed fourth on the Unit Leaderboard and seventh overall for total dollars raised.  Read More

IE program brings N.C. students and teachers into state parks for meaningful outdoor science learning  

N.C. teachers and park rangers create outdoor learning experiences for students. Read More

Student Spotlight: Nicole Coursey ’26

Nicole Coursey shares more about her time spent in Europe and at the Outer Banks Field Site. Read More

New study quantifies health impacts from oil and gas flaring in U.S. 

New study finds pollution from oil and gas flaring results in $7.4 billion in health damages. Read More

Help us reach our GiveUNC goal on Mar. 26!

Mark your calendars for Mar. 26 and help us exceed our fundraising goals for GiveUNC! Read More

10th UNC Cleantech Summit expected to be largest yet 

The two-day event will promote cleantech as an economic driver and a career choice for UNC students. Read More

Where are they now? Kristina Hefferle ’23

Kristina Hefferle ’23 discusses her path to amphibian ecology research technician at UGA. Read More

Student Spotlight: Hallie Turner ’24

Hallie Turner ’24 decided to study environmental science to solve complex modern problems. Read More

New study by researchers at UNC-Chapel Hill finds chemical composition of U.S. air pollution changed over time  

Targeted strategies may reduce specific pollutants for different regions of the U.S. Read More

Students fly drones, study hydrology during adventurous study abroad program in Ecuador

Ecuador and its diverse landscapes transformed into a living classroom for some UNC students. Read More

Why is it bad for a river to be straight? (Sci NC | Feb. 6, 2024)

IE’s Rada Petric talks about the importance of tracking wildlife in watershed restoration. Read More

Registration Open for the 10th Annual UNC Cleantech Summit

Get your ticket today! Read More

All the Light We Cannot See (Endeavors | Jan. 18, 2024)

Outer Banks Field Site students study how artificial light at night affects wildlife. Read More

CMAS Center, partners featured in special issue of EM Magazine

Several researchers from the UNC Institute for the Environment contributed to the special issue. Read More

22nd annual CMAS Conference celebrated milestones and giants of the field

The event featured a celebration of CMAQ and the lives of two giants of the CMAS community. Read More