Climate

A capacity crowd at the New England Aquarium's Omni Theater enjoyed the 2016 John H. Carlson Lecture, "Big Ice: Antarctica, Greenland, and Boston," presented by Penn State University Professor Richard Alley.

Big ice, big science

Richard Alley delivers 2016 Carlson Lecture on the physics of glaciers and how ice sheets capture a history of the world’s climate.

November 14, 2016

A new study by researchers at MIT and elsewhere has found that, rather than adopting a standard for automotive gas-mileage ratings, the EU could achieve the same results at far lower cost to the economy by simply extending their existing emissions-trading system to encompass transportation rather than just electricity generation and energy intensive industry.

What’s the best way for Europe to curb greenhouse emissions from cars?

Emissions trading would be more effective than mileage standards, new study shows.

November 8, 2016

A bubble of carbon dioxide (CO2) gas is trapped by capillary forces in a bed of glass beads saturated with water; as the CO2 dissolves into the water, an aqueous pH indicator changes from blue to yellow. The MITEI Low-Carbon Energy Center for Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage will advance research with support from members including ExxonMobil.

ExxonMobil joins MIT Energy Initiative’s low-carbon technology R&D program

Low-Carbon Energy Centers are engaging across industries and sectors in advancing climate solutions.

October 13, 2016

MIT Professor Raffaele Ferrari has been selected to receive the 2016 Robert L. and Bettie P. Cody Award in Ocean Sciences.

Raffaele Ferrari receives Cody Award in Ocean Sciences

EAPS professor honored for excellence in oceanography.

October 4, 2016

While climate change may boost crop yields in some “breadbasket” regions, extreme heat and drought linked to a changing climate are likely to increase the frequency of major crop failures. Water stress is expected to increase in most regions due to pressures from population and economic growth as well as from climate change.

Even if the Paris Agreement is implemented, food and water supplies remain at risk

Report projects impacts of 2015 Paris climate agreement, identifies emissions paths/technology advances needed to limit global warming to 2 degrees Celsius.

October 4, 2016

MIT research scientist Stephanie Dutkiewicz in her office with a display of her phytoplankton model simulation

Computing the ocean’s true colors

Stephanie Dutkiewicz’ phytoplankton models project the future of the ocean as food source and carbon sink.

September 15, 2016

“The ocean has been the only true sink for anthropogenic emissions since the industrial revolution,” says MIT graduate student Sophie Chu, pictured here. “Right now, it stores about 1/4 to 1/3 of the anthropogenic emissions from the atmosphere. We’re expecting at some point the storage will slow down.”

Study finds increased ocean acidification due to human activities

More anthropogenic carbon in the northeast Pacific means weaker shells for many marine species.

September 7, 2016

Maria Zuber, MIT vice president for research, welcomes GE to MIT as a new Sustaining Member of the MIT Energy Initiative. Zuber discussed MIT’s Plan for Action on Climate Change and the importance of industry engagement in solving global climate and energy challenges.

MIT Energy Initiative welcomes GE as new member and participant in Low-Carbon Energy Centers

GE’s membership marks continued progress on goals of MIT’s Plan for Action on Climate Change to engage industry in solving global challenges.

August 30, 2016

GE Power President and CEO Steve Bolze (right) with MIT Energy Initiative Director Robert Armstrong.

GE joins MIT Energy Initiative to develop advanced technology solutions for transforming global energy systems

GE commits to five-year, $7.5 million membership, including participation in MITEI’s Low-Carbon Energy Centers.

August 30, 2016

Québec Premier Philippe Couillard delivers remarks after Professor Pierre-Olivier Pineau, chair in energy sector management at HEC Montréal; MIT Vice President for Research Maria Zuber; and Ouranos Executive Director Alain Bourque sign an agreement to launch a new research collaboration to analyze cross-border, low-carbon energy policy options.

MIT, Québec research institutions launch initiative to analyze low-carbon energy policy options

Focusing on New England/Québec Region, Québec premier and MIT vice president for research speak at Boston signing ceremony; Hydro-Québec CEO pledges funding.

August 29, 2016