Addressing today’s most pressing environmental challenges requires interdisciplinary collaboration, and our faculty are tackling pressing and complex problems from climate change to biodiversity loss. Researchers in biology, environmental science, geography, political science, and across the arts and humanities are pioneering solutions to ensure a sustainable future. Their work is driving innovation in conservation, energy policy, and environmental justice, transforming how we interact with and protect our planet.
Environment
Research stories
New research aims to better predict and understand cascading land surface hazards
When an extreme weather event occurs, the probability or risk of other events can often increase, leading to what researchers call “cascading” hazards. For example, the danger of landslides or... Read more about New research aims to better predict and understand cascading land surface hazards
Floods don’t just bring water—they move earth
IU Earth and Atmospheric Sciences Professor Doug Edmonds and his team of students are leading cutting-edge research on how floodwaters reshape Indiana’s landscapes. With the help of drones equipp... Read more about Floods don’t just bring water—they move earth
Professor’s African dig uncovers bone tools that offer insights on early human life
Jackson Njau’s fascination with human origins started as a curious teen growing up a few hours from one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. Now a pioneering paleoanthropologist at... Read more about Professor’s African dig uncovers bone tools that offer insights on early human life
A new study has exposed significant underrepresentation of researchers and content from the Global South in climate science publications, raising concerns about systemic disparities in academic pub... Read more about IU scientist co-authors study that reveals significant underrepresentation of Global South authors in climate science research
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IU geoscientists co-author study that finds mountain formation drives biodiversity growth
A new study co-authored by researchers at Indiana University sheds light on how the forces that shape mountain ranges also influence the evolution of species. In the study, “Direct effects of mounta... Read more about IU geoscientists co-author study that finds mountain formation drives biodiversity growth