Ocean bacteria team up to break down biodegradable plastic
MIT researchers uncovered the roles of bacterial species from the environment as they consume biodegradable plastic.
From Idaho to MIT, on a quest to cut methane emissions
PhD student Audrey Parker studies methane mitigation strategies in dairy farms and coal mines, to reduce emissions of the potent greenhouse gas.
X-raying rocks reveals their carbon-storing capacity
New research by MIT geophysicists could assist efforts to remove carbon from the atmosphere and store it underground.
Coping with catastrophe
Japan incorporates more disaster planning into its buildings and public spaces than any other nation. Miho Mazereeuw’s new book explains how they do it.
More trees where they matter, please
An international study reveals disparities in urban shade levels, exacerbating the “heat island” effect in big cities.
Study reveals climatic fingerprints of wildfires and volcanic eruptions
In research that could help elucidate humans’ role in global warming, scientists showed how three major natural events impacted global atmospheric temperatures.
Parking-aware navigation system could prevent frustration and emissions
By minimizing the need to drive around looking for a parking spot, this technique can save drivers up to 35 minutes — and give them a realistic estimate of total travel time.
Understanding ammonia energy’s tradeoffs around the world
MIT Energy Initiative researchers calculated the economic and environmental impact of future ammonia energy production and trade pathways.
3 Questions: How AI could optimize the power grid
While the growing energy demands of AI are worrying, some techniques can also help make power grids cleaner and more efficient.
Positioning Massachusetts as a hub for climate tech and economic development
Massachusetts Clean Energy Center CEO MBA ’12 Emily Reichert highlights the state government’s unique approach to fostering and keeping clean energy innovation.
New research may help scientists predict when a humid heat wave will break
As these events become more common at midlatitudes, a phenomenon called an atmospheric inversion will determine how long they last.
MIT in the media: 2025 in review
MIT community members made headlines with key research advances and their efforts to tackle pressing challenges.
Study: More eyes on the skies will help planes reduce climate-warming contrails
Images from geostationary satellites alone aren’t enough to help planes avoid contrail-prone regions, MIT researchers report.
Post-COP30, more aggressive policies needed to cap global warming at 1.5 C
Global Change Outlook report for 2025 shows how accelerated action can reduce climate risks and improve sustainability outcomes, while highlighting potential geopolitical hurdles.
How cement “breathes in” and stores millions of tons of CO₂ a year
New analysis provides the first national, bottom-up estimate of cement’s natural carbon dioxide uptake across buildings and infrastructure.