Our Programs, Centers and Initiatives
Climate change, the environment and sustainability issues are at the forefront of research, education and policy agendas around the world. Washington University is preparing the next generation of environmental leaders through interdisciplinary, community-engaged coursework, research and practice. In addition, the University is transforming its campus into a living learning laboratory that connects teaching and research directly to sustainable campus operations.
Higher education has a major role to play in addressing the challenges that face our planet, and Washington University is committed to leveraging its global reach and local strengths to develop innovations and partnerships that will benefit all people everywhere.
Environmental Studies
Preparing the next generation of environmental leaders through interdisciplinary, community-engaged coursework, research and practice. Visit the Environmental Studies website to learn more >>
International Center for Energy, Environment and Sustainability (InCEES)
Addressing a range of environmental challenges that are critical to the well-being of our society and planet. Tour the InCEES website for more information >>
Living Earth Collaborative
Dedicated to advancing the knowledge of biodiversity and to ensuring the future of earth’s species in their many forms. Discover more about the Living Earth Collaborative >>
Office of Sustainability
Leading the University’s efforts to transform the campus into a living learning laboratory that connects teaching and research directly to sustainable campus operations. Visit the Office of Sustainability website >>
Tyson Research Center
A 2,000-acre environmental field station promoting collaborative and interdisciplinary scientific research, facilitating education through apprenticeship, and fostering a diverse community of students and faculty from Washington University and beyond. Learn more about the Tyson Research Center >>
Climate Change Program
Expanding scientific research, education and public understanding of climate change by connecting and informing a global network of institutions, scholars, practitioners and community members. Discover the work being done by the WashU Climate Change Program >>
Midwest Climate Summit
With support from Bloomberg Philanthropies, a group of over twenty leading Midwestern higher education institutions, non-profits, local governments, and businesses partnered with the goal to develop a coordinated Midwestern response to the climate crisis. In fall 2020, the Midwest Climate Summit debuted in the form of a virtual series of events – the Think Tank – with the objective of expanding climate knowledge, accelerating climate action, and catalyzing new partnerships that deepen expertise. Learn more about plans for a fall 2021 Summit.
Video Spotlight:
Two scientists from Washington University are reconstructing past climate and cultural shifts in the Peruvian Andes. Today, such high-altitude parts of the tropics are warming faster than the rest of the globe. What Bronwen Konecky and Sarah Baitzel discover could help predict how the people and animals in this delicate ecosystem might be affected in the future.