Atmospheric observations in China show rise in emissions of a potent greenhouse gas
Global warming potential of sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) is more than 24,000 times that of carbon dioxide.
MIT-derived algorithm helps forecast the frequency of extreme weather
The new approach “nudges” existing climate simulations closer to future reality.
Artificial reef designed by MIT engineers could protect marine life, reduce storm damage
The sustainable and cost-saving structure could dissipate more than 95 percent of incoming wave energy using a small fraction of the material normally needed.
Understanding the impacts of mining on local environments and communities
Extractive industries threaten water, glaciers, and livelihoods, but new research offers hope.
Lessons from Fukushima: Prepare for the unlikely
An analysis of the 2011 nuclear accident reveals a need for more preparation, training, and protocols for responding to low-probability accidents.
Study finds lands used for grazing can worsen or help climate change
Too much livestock on a given amount of land can lead to carbon losses, but appropriate numbers can actually help sequester the carbon.
Reducing pesticide use while increasing effectiveness
In field tests, MIT spinoff AgZen demonstrated that its feedback-optimized spraying system could halve the pesticide needs of farms and improve crop yields.
A new sensor detects harmful “forever chemicals” in drinking water
The technology could offer a cheap, fast way to test for PFAS, which have been linked to cancer and other health problems.
MIT researchers remotely map crops, field by field
The team used machine learning to analyze satellite and roadside images of areas where small farms predominate and agricultural data are sparse.
Study measures the psychological toll of wildfires
Research in Southeast Asia quantifies how much wildfire smoke hurts peoples’ moods; finds the effect is greater when fires originate in other countries.
Illustrating India’s complex environmental crises
A CAST Visiting Artist project traces the history of cause and effect that have led India to its current crossroads.
Reflecting on COP28 — and humanity’s progress toward meeting global climate goals
MIT delegates share observations and insights from the largest-ever UN climate conference.
Susan Solomon wins VinFuture Award for Female Innovators
The award recognizes Solomon’s contributions to understanding ozone depletion and the creation of the Montreal Protocol.
Faculty, staff, students to evaluate ways to decarbonize MIT's campus
New Decarbonization Working Group will leverage member expertise to explore and assess existing and in-development solutions to decarbonize the MIT campus by 2050.
New tool predicts flood risk from hurricanes in a warming climate
Using New York as a test case, the model predicts flooding at the level experienced during Hurricane Sandy will occur roughly every 30 years by the end of this century.