Faculty & Research

A large study led by Harvard Chan School researchers found that people who closely followed the Planetary Health Diet—which emphasizes minimally processed whole grains and vegetables but allows for some meat and dairy—significantly lowered their risk of premature death while also reducing their carbon footprint.

Can sea level rise be slowed? A new Harvard project called Sea Level Investigation and Management (SLIM), made possible by a generous gift from Cornelius “Neil” Prior Jr. LLB ’62, aims to find out.

By studying ecosystems from the Arctic to the tropics, Arnold Arboretum faculty fellow Benton Taylor aims to find out if plants will absorb enough carbon in the future to offset human activity.

Inspired by how some animals use their skin to regulate body temperature, the lab of Harvard chemistry professor Joanna Aizenberg is developing ways to use a building’s exterior to control indoor climates.

Harvard assistant professor and physician Garaub Basu is collaborating with students, clinicians, and leaders to embed climate change into medical curricula and continuing medical education.

Kari Nadeau MD ’92, PhD ’95, chair of the Harvard Chan School’s Department of Environmental Health, says there is strong evidence that climate change is driving a global epidemic of immune health problems.

In an op-ed in the Boston Globe, Steven Wofsy, the Harvard scientist behind MethaneSAT—a satellite-based spectrometer that measures global methane emissions—says that the data from this tool will empower us all to make more informed decisions that can help reduce emissions of this planet-warming gas.

With support from a Salata Institute seed grant, electrical engineer Gage Hills is investigating how to reduce the carbon footprint of the production and use of next-generation computer chips.

Harvard Graduate School of Education professor Fernando Reimers EdM ’84, EdD ’88—who helped shape Harvard’s climate change education plan—leads with hope as he prepares students for a green economy.

Pioneering Harvard neuroscientist Jeff Lichtman will begin serving as dean of the Division of Science in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences on July 1.