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

The time to act is now.

The complexities of the climate, biodiversity, and pollution crises require deep understanding and actionable solutions. Every day, the Penn community generates world-class research and prepares tomorrow’s practitioners and leaders to deliver innovations that will improve lives and ecosystems. The Environmental Innovations Initiative (EII) serves as a platform and a catalyst for this work, developing, connecting, and enhancing the University’s critical research, education, and outreach efforts, linked by their aim of securing a healthier and more sustainable planet for all.

Learn More About EII

October 13-17, 2025

Climate Week at Penn

Now in its sixth year, Climate Week at Penn offers opportunities for every member of the Penn community to learn about and act on the climate crisis. The theme for 2025 is “Hot Spots,” be they literal (wildfires and extreme heat) or figurative (political, cultural, interpersonal, or scholarly hot topics). Visit the Climate Week website throughout the summer for information on how to propose your event ideas and check out our engaging schedule as it grows.

Events & News

a group of people stands under a diagram of philanthropic options such as charity, volunteering, and donating

Growing support to build societal resilience to environmental crises

Environmental Innovations Initiative

Large United Nations convening with speaker shown on screens

Insights from the United Nations Biodiversity Conference

Environmental Innovations Initiative

blue green mapping of environmental factors in region

Environmental Hazards and Public Health

Environmental Innovations Initiative

Satellite image of Hurricane Helene, 2006

Cloudy with a chance of lifesaving and more cost-effective weather predictions

Penn Today

May

Philadelphia Town Hall on Science, Policy, and Higher Education

Philadelphia Science Action

Explainers

The Environmental Innovations Initiative shares expertise from Penn scholars on today's critical environmental issues.

Climate Modeling

Environmental Hazards and Public Health

Sun shades attached to building windows.

What’s That? Sun shades at the Vagelos Lab

Fast fashion

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.