Earth and Environmental Science

Two scientists walk on glacier ice near a river and mountains

From glacier ice, a wealth of scientific data

Biogeochemist Jon Hawkings of the School of Arts & Sciences and his lab study glaciers to understand the cycling of elements through Earth’s waters, soils, and air in its coldest regions, with implications for climate change, ecosystem health, and more.

Tracking Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s biggest campaign promises

Michael Mann of the School of Arts & Sciences says that reaching net-zero emissions by 2050 is possible for Pennsylvania but will require Gov. Josh Shapiro to convince voters that legislative Republicans are blocking efforts to create a livable future.

Tackling threat of mudslides in soaked California

Douglas Jerolmack of the School of Arts & Sciences says that debris basins can be costly, becoming overwhelmed by new landslides or mudslides that have been worsened by climate change.

Oceans break record for highest temperatures four years in a row

A co-authored study by Michael Mann of the School of Arts & Sciences finds that the world’s oceans have hit their warmest temperatures on record for the fourth year in a row.

Ocean heat content hits record high, a sign of global warming

Michael Mann of the School of Arts & Sciences says that ocean-heat content continues to consistently set records every year, separate from surface warming factors like El Niño.

The science behind the oldest trees on earth

Jared Farmer of the School of Arts & Sciences shares an excerpt from his recent book, “Elderflora: A Modern History of Ancient Trees.”

What’s the link between winter storms and global warming?

Michael Mann of the School of Arts & Sciences says that certain aspects of winter storms can be strongly linked to climate change.

What is the link between winter storms and climate change?

Michael Mann of the School of Arts & Sciences says that convection caused by warmer lake temperatures has created a long-term increase in lake effect snowfalls.

Scientists study link between winter storms and global warming

Michael Mann of the School of Arts & Sciences discusses the robust linkages between climate change and certain aspects of winter storms.

Turning carbon emissions into rocks

In Penn’s Clean Energy Conversions Lab, researcher Peter Psarras and colleagues are repurposing waste from industrial mines, storing carbon pulled from the atmosphere into newly formed rock.

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