Responding to the climate impact of generative AI
Explosive growth of AI data centers is expected to increase greenhouse gas emissions. Researchers are now seeking solutions to reduce these environmental harms.
A beacon of light
A lantern created in the Design Intelligence Lab creates sustainable alternatives for consumer electronics.
Q&A: On the challenges of operating in the Arctic
How does one access and conduct research in one of the world’s harshest and most demanding environments? Lincoln Laboratory undersea systems engineer David Whelihan explains.
Climate Action Learning Lab helps state and local leaders identify and implement effective climate mitigation strategies
J-PAL North America’s inaugural Climate Action Learning Lab provided six U.S. cities and states with customized training and resources to leverage data and evaluation to advance climate solutions that work.
Simpler models can outperform deep learning at climate prediction
New research shows the natural variability in climate data can cause AI models to struggle at predicting local temperature and rainfall.
Study links rising temperatures and declining moods
An analysis of social media in 157 countries finds hotter weather is associated with more negative sentiments.
Jessika Trancik named director of the Sociotechnical Systems Research Center
Trancik will lead multidisciplinary research center focused on the high-impact, complex, sociotechnical systems that shape our world.
Surprisingly diverse innovations led to dramatically cheaper solar panels
New research can identify opportunities to drive down the cost of renewable energy systems, batteries, and many other technologies.
Eco-driving measures could significantly reduce vehicle emissions
New research shows automatically controlling vehicle speeds to mitigate traffic at intersections can cut carbon emissions between 11 and 22 percent.
Why animals are a critical part of forest carbon absorption
An MIT study shows decreases in seed-dispersing animals can lead to a major reduction in forest carbon absorption.
Study shows how a common fertilizer ingredient benefits plants
The findings could enable new ways to increase plants’ resilience to UV stress and enhance seedling growth.
VAMO proposes an alternative to architectural permanence
A project at the Venice Biennale showcases biodegradable materials and structural systems using tension and compression.
Evelyn Wang: A new energy source at MIT
MIT’s first vice president for energy and climate is working to accelerate research and development toward transformational solutions.
A journey of resilience, fueled by learning
How experience with real-world problem-solving, combined with MIT Open Learning’s online resources and internship opportunities, solidified one Afghani learner’s career path.
After more than a decade of successes, ESI’s work will spread out across the Institute
John Fernandez will step down as head of the Environmental Solutions Initiative, as its components will become part of the Climate Project and other entities.