one person holds a bullfrog as another looks on while standing in a pond

one person holds a bull frog while another looks on wearing waders in a pond

We are at a pivotal moment in history.

Our planet is at a crossroads. The time to fix the systems causing the climate and biodiversity crises as well as institutionalized inequities is now. Between the capacity to conduct cutting-edge research, the responsibility to prepare tomorrow's professionals and leaders, and the role as a neutral convening agent, Universities have a unique role to play in developing solutions to today’s most pressing global challenges. The research being done at Penn can and must be part of the solution.

Learn More About the Initiative

Climate 101

Would you like to be more informed about climate change? The Environmental Innovations Initiative's Climate 101 series provides "what you need to know" from some of Penn's leading experts. In an accessible format, both in person and online, these talks delve into how climate is interwoven with a variety of disciplines, helping to raise our climate literacy and prepare us to tackle one of the planet's greatest challenges.

View our Fall Lineup of Speakers

Climate 101 Fall 2024 lecture series flyer

Events & News

Attendees gather, some sitting, some standing, at a Climate Week 2024 event.

Penn researchers discuss their solutions to the climate crisis

Penn Today

Volunteers in waders at the pond at Penn’s BioPond, one holds a frog.

With dozens of events, Climate Week 2024 will focus on solutions

Penn Today

Penn lays out ambitious new roadmap for climate and sustainability action

Penn Today

image from UN conference featuring large audience and speaker on big screens

A Penn delegation at COP16, the United Nations Biodiversity Conference

Environmental Innovations Initiative

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One Health@Penn RiP/WiP

Environmental Innovations Initiative

Catalyzing Research

The Environmental Innovations Initiative seeks to facilitate innovative research that maximizes Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary strengths, within and between schools, centers, graduate groups, and departments.

Climate Action

Global Climate Impacts, Risks and Vulnerabilities

Incorporating scientific insights into decision-making is crucial for addressing the impacts of climate change.

Societal Resilience

Stewardship of Nature

Catalyzing Nature-Based Solutions to Address Urban Water Challenges in Philadelphia Communities

Access to clean water and the protection of freshwater ecosystems in cities like Philadelphia, within the Northeast Mega Region, face threats from climate change.

Societal Resilience

How Private Actors Build Societal Resilience to Environmental Crises

Individuals facing socioeconomic disadvantages and structural inequalities are disproportionately affected by environmental crises, including those stemming from climate change.

Election Ballot Photo AdobeStock 230157974

Climate Action

Societal Resilience

Public Deliberation on Climate Transitions and Well-Being

Society is currently engaged in major transitions prompted by the climate emergency and other environmental crises. These green transitions pose a formidable suite of challenges.

Climate Action

Stewardship of Nature

One Health@Penn

A growing recognition of the intimate connection between humans, animals, and the environment has underscored that an interdisciplinary, multisectoral strategy is crucial to address complex health challenges.

Children at a Project Based Learning Class of Global Climate Justice

Climate Action

Project-Based Learning for Global Climate Justice

K-12 schools and higher education institutions can play a pivotal role in this response by creating opportunities for students to have a meaningful impact on their communities now while also inspiring their commitment to this work in the future

Societal Resilience

Stewardship of Nature

Penn Regenerative Ag Alliance

Regenerative Agricultural describes holistic farming and grazing practices aimed at improving soil health via rebuilding soil organic matter and restoring degraded soil biodiversity.

Learn More About Research

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Explore Environment at Penn

Each of Penn’s 12 Schools offer teaching, research, and opportunities on a broad range of topics related to climate, nature, and society. Discover the people, programs, and opportunities at the University. Learn more about courses and degrees, connect with expert faculty, and world-class centers and institutes across campus.