The University of Michigan is leading research, analyzing new technologies, and convening and expanding programs and partnerships around critical topics pertaining to climate and energy.
From assessing climate resilience strategies for the Great Lakes region to spearheading progress in alternative and renewable fuel sources, U-M researchers are working to elevate clean, sustainable, and equitable solutions across an array of disciplines. Some of our key initiatives in climate and energy include: the Great Lakes Integrated Sciences and Assessments Program, the Global CO2 Initiative, the Institute for Energy Solutions and MI Hydrogen. Find U-M experts in sustainability and environmental science, across fields and academic units.
Spencer Checkoway, a research assistant at the School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) Center for Sustainable Systems (CSS) is first author of a new study, "Carbon and energy footprinting across archetypes for U.S. maple syrup production." He answered five questions about the study, its findings and the main recommendations made by the authors. The other authors of the study are SEAS Professor and CSS Co-Director Gregory Keoleian and CSS Research Specialist Geoffrey Lewis.
Small modular nuclear reactors, or SMRs, could help the U.S. meet emissions goals while also satisfying growing energy demands. Although the U.S. has not powered up an SMR yet due to some deployment challenges, cost and complexity, new research from the University of Michigan shows that they are an economically viable option. Max Vanatta, School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) doctoral student is the lead author. The other authors are SEAS Assistant Professor Michael Craig and Robb Stewart, chief technology officer of Alva Energy.
Carbon-based products are central to our economy, yet urgent action is needed to combat climate change. As part of Climate Week NYC, the Global CO2 Initiative held a discussion how carbon capture and utilization can mitigate the negative impacts of fossil fuel use, addressing the technology’s economic and social impacts, as well as its challenges.
In certain parts of the U.S., the ability of residents to prepare for and respond to flooding is being undercut on three different levels.
In a new long-term ecological experiment, researchers showed that elevated levels of carbon dioxide nearly tripled species losses in grasslands attributed to the long-term application of simulated nitrogen pollution.
U-M has published a guidebook to help communities navigate the arrival of new battery energy storage systems amid changing energy policies.
