Institute at Brown for Environment and Society

Institute at Brown for Environment and Society

The Institute at Brown for Environment and Society (IBES) supports research to understand the interactions between natural, human and social systems. Our teaching programs prepare future leaders to envision and build a just and sustainable world.

Empowering people, protecting places.

Institute at Brown for Environment and Society

The Institute at Brown for Environment and Society (IBES) supports research to understand the interactions between natural, human and social systems. Our teaching programs prepare future leaders to envision and build a just and sustainable world.

Empowering people, protecting places.

                                             Voss Postdoctoral Research Associate in Environment and Society

At this dynamic cross-campus center, IBES students and faculty conduct groundbreaking research and build creative solutions to complex 21st-century problems. Our work combines an understanding of the natural world and of human societies because environmental stewardship, human rights, and economic well-being are inextricably linked.

Through our unique interdisciplinary approach, IBES fosters actionable research outcomes and the change agents of tomorrow. Our rigorous undergraduate curriculum offers meaningful real-world experiences and unique faculty-student partnerships.

IBES faculty and students are leaders in the global conversation about environmental issues – on campus, at the State House, in boardrooms, and at the United Nations.

What's Happening at IBES

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New York Times

Prof. Smith: The Mississippi River is Running Dry

This critical river and its tributaries — responsible for transporting more than $17 billion worth of farm products and 60 percent of all U.S. corn and soybean exports annually — has been stricken by drought since September, amid a time of global grain shortage and soaring food prices.
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Los Angeles Times

Op-Ed: The world population hit 8 billion. What are the implications for climate?

Even with the decelerated population growth of the past six decades, global population reached 8 billion people on Nov. 15. The climate emergency and the past population growth crisis represent existential challenges requiring sustained global efforts. Our success on the population issue holds key lessons for addressing the climate crisis as well.
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Upcoming Events

Possibly Podcast

Looking at the science behind proposed solutions to environmental challenges, to help listeners cut through the noise and make choices that, possibly, will make a difference.

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Recent Episodes

How did Rhode Island get the first offshore wind farm in the country?

When did we start recycling?

What kind of turkey should I buy?

What We Do

Research

Climate change and flooding, pathogens and poverty, conflict and extinction – these threats know no borders. Our fragile planet and its vulnerable peoples are at risk. This time of unprecedented challenge requires bold solutions and innovative thinking.
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Education

Brown students change the world. IBES helps them save the planet.
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Sustainability

Sustaining life on Earth requires change in the way we power our campuses and cities, how we incentivize reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and how we grow and distribute our food.
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Contact Us

Institute at Brown for Environment and Society (IBES)
Brown University

Box 1951
85 Waterman Street
Providence, RI 02912

Phone: 401-863-3449
Fax: 401-863-3839
environment@brown.edu