Joint Program on the Science and Policy of Global Change

Cleaner energy, warmer climate?MIT researchers explore the possible consequences of expanding biofuels.

The case for optimism about a renewable energy futureResearcher Eric Martinot presents findings of two-year project at campus event

The case of the missing gas taxMIT researchers find vehicle efficiency standards are at least six times more costly than a tax on fuel.

Changing with the climateMIT researchers, Massachusetts officials highlight strategies to adapt to climate change.

MIT researchers win Pyke Johnson AwardKarplus, Paltsev honored for their study on the impacts of vehicle efficiency standards.

Researchers reveal strategies for mercury reduction in time for negotiationsMIT, Harvard professors map future trends, reveal ways to reduce mercury levels on eve of final international meeting for mercury control.

Study: 'Fugitive' methane from shale gas production less than previously thoughtMIT researchers, using field practices, find emissions from shale gas production to be significantly lower than previous estimates.

Vehicle efficiency standards vs. a carbon tax: the costs and politicsMIT researchers show merits of a carbon tax.

New method could help communities plan for climate riskMIT researchers develop tool to assess regional risks of climate change, potential impacts on local infrastructure and planning.

Climate change: a developing challenge for poor nationsMIT and U.N. researchers team up to tackle some of the heftiest climate change challenges developing countries will face as they confront an uncertain future.

What the past teaches: meeting today’s global environmental challengesAtmospheric science pioneer Susan Solomon speaks on past environmental accomplishments, technology’s role and how history should be our guide to meeting today’s global challenges.

Study maps pollution’s pathway to the Arctic, sets path for future researchMIT researchers have built a model that will be further developed as part of an NSF-funded project to track how chemicals get to remote Arctic environments.

Double the benefits: clean energy also saves waterNREL-MIT study shows an 80 percent renewable energy standard cuts water use in half.

Report: China’s actions are crucial on climate changeResearch shows China’s impact on climate change, as well as its potential to shape the path forward.

No crystal ball for natural gasTraditionally, oil prices have been used to gauge the natural gas market; but new research shows that the future of what is currently a cheap fuel is really anyone's guess.

Communicating the climate challengeNew York Times’ Andrew Revkin shares lessons with MIT faculty, students at Earth Day colloquium.

Our gasoline-free future and how to get thereToyota’s Tom Stricker shares his view with the MIT community.

Facing the facts about our changing climateMIT researchers join Boston Globe panel in weighing climate risks and resolutions.

Powering the Chinese dragonChina Light and Power’s Peter Littlewood talks with MIT researchers and students about the country’s strengths and the United States’s opportunity to embrace them.

Growing population will increase global climate challengesMIT report shows China and developing nations will come to dominate emissions that promote climate change

Our complex food future and how to respondToday’s global challenges will significantly affect how we grow our food. But these challenges are so complex and intertwined that response measures require collaboration and a broad, integrated lens.

China’s pollution puts a dent in its economyDespite improvements in air quality, the economic impact of air pollution has increased dramatically, new MIT study shows.

MIT researcher: U.S. taking leadership on mercury in the environmentNoelle Eckley Selin joins the EPA's regional administrator, Curt Spalding, and other public health experts to speak about the EPA's recent Mercury and Air Toxics Standards.

Where the wind blowsHow far can wind power go toward reducing global carbon emissions from electricity production?

What can make a dent?Given the enormous scale of worldwide energy use, there are limited options for achieving significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

The power of manureAnaerobic digesters provide a win-win opportunity for agriculture and energy.