This article highlights and includes commentary from IBES Director Kim Cobb, who was elected an American Geophysical Union (AGU) Fellow in September 2023.
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Why Taylor Swift’s globe-trotting in private jets is getting scrutinized
Jeff Colgan, IBES Affiliate and Director of the Climate Solutions Lab, noted, "It’s striking that Ms. Swift gets so much of the outrage when private jet customers are overwhelmingly men over 50. The focus really should be on a broader class of people.”
IBES Welcomes Nelsy Reyes as Academic Coordinator
With a passion for helping others, Reyes prioritizes collaboration and community engagement as she enters this newly created role.
What happens after we reach net-zero emissions?
IBES Fellow Baylor Fox-Kemper explores this elusive topic in a new research paper.
Providence may be one step closer to noise cameras. The mayor says 'it's not surveillance.'
This article references research from Brown's Community Noise Lab, led by IBES Affiliate and Assistant Professor of Epidemiology Erica Walker.
Climate and Clean Energy Lobbying in Iowa
The Climate and Development Lab: Members of Brown's Climate and Development Lab analyzed 23,000 lobbying records, revealing the dominance of electric utilities and the coalitions that emerge around energy issues in Iowa.
Who’s behind the latest effort to 'save the whales'? The fossil fuel industry
This column cites a report by Brown's Climate Development Lab, led by IBES and Sociology Professor Timmons Roberts.
Sunrise Brown calls on University to dissociate from fossil fuel industry at ACURM meeting
ACURM to review Sunrise proposal, send official recommendations to University following meeting featuring commentary from IBES Senior Lecturer Kurt Teichert and ENVS concentrators Caitlyn Carpenter ’26 and Ethan Drake ’24
Book club: Elizabeth Rush, Providence-based author of ‘The Quickening’
IBES Fellow Elizabeth Rush's "The Quickening" is the first pick of The Public's Radio new book club. In this interview, she expands on the inspiration behind the book.
Two ways students can engage in hands-on learning with IBES
Each year, the Institute at Brown for Environment and Society (IBES) offers funded internship, research, and training opportunities for undergraduates of all concentrations interested in climate, sustainability, and the environment. Explore the IBES Summer Internship Program and Voss Fellowships below, and submit your applications by March 2, 2024.
IBES Welcomes Katie Silberman as Director of Strategic Operations
Silberman, a Brown alumna, will continue her decade-long service to the University in this newly created role, guiding initiatives tied to IBES’ goals in research, education, public engagement, and partnerships.
‘Renewable’ Energy Frontiers
Issue 6 of the Commodity Frontiers Journal, edited by IBES Lecturer Mindi Schneider and featuring pieces by Brian Lander, Assistant Professor in IBES and History, and recent ENVS graduate Charlotte Marcil '23.
Offshore wind support high as sector faces headwinds
This article cites research from IBES' Climate and Development Lab, led by Professor Timmons Roberts.
Fossil Fuel Corporations Are Faking Grassroots Support
ENVS concentrator Caroline Sassan '24, who has studied fossil fuel campaigns, offered commentary for this article.
Scientists explain why the record-shattering 2023 heat has them on edge
"I am more worried than ever," IBES Director Kim Cobb told AP. "My worry increases with every year that global emissions move in the wrong direction."
A CRISPR-based strategy for targeted sequencing in biodiversity science
A new research paper by Postdoc Research Associate Bethan Littleford-Colquhoun and IBES and Biology Assistant Professor Tyler Kartzinel.
US oil lobby launches eight-figure ad blitz amid record fossil fuel extraction
This article features commentary from and research by IBES and Sociology Professor Timmons Roberts.
ENVS students immersed in climate issues during their Washington, D.C. visit
Course instructor Timmons Roberts has made a tradition of bringing students to the capital to engage with legislators, Capitol Hill staffers, federal officials, and lobbyists.
Offshore wind opponents target ‘incidental take’ of whales
This article cites a recent report from IBES Professor Timmons Roberts's Climate and Development Lab, co-authored by environmental science concentrator Isaac Slevin '25 and Will Kattrup '25.
January 9, 2024
News from Brown
Faculty at Brown earn prominent awards, distinctions in 2023
Over the last year, prestigious national and international organizations recognized Brown faculty for their research, scholarship and leadership.
The real culprit in a 19th century dinosaur whodunit is finally revealed
Lukas Rieppel, an IBES affiliate and associate professor of history, offered insights for this article.
‘It’s a scary time’ as world shatters temperature record
IBES Director Kim Cobb noted, "It’s a scary time in that there are candidates on ballots across the world who haven’t really understood the full scope of climate risks and opportunities for climate actions."
The link between climate change and a spate of rare disease outbreaks in 2023
This article features commentary from Rachel Baker, assistant professor of Environment and Society and Epidemiology.
Brown University researchers ‘map’ anti-offshore wind movement
This article covers new research from IBES' Climate and Development Lab, led by Professor Timmons Roberts.
IBES: 2023 in Review
Dive into a year of accomplishments at IBES, where community-engaged scholarship, cutting-edge research, student-led projects and events, and more highlight the many ways that our community is rising to meet the 21st century’s climate, sustainability, and environmental challenges.
Scientists might be using a flawed strategy to predict how species will fare under climate change
This research was part of Daniel Perret's doctoral dissertation at Brown with Dov Sax, IBES and EEOB professor and coauthor on the paper.
Rhode Island’s many aging bridges, Sen. Whitehouse on COP28, and more
This episode of The Weekly Catch features commentary from IBES and Sociology Professor Timmons Roberts.
‘Material World’ and ‘Elemental’: Mining the Bare Necessities
A review of "Elemental: How Five Elements Changed Earth’s Past and Will Shape Our Future," by IBES and EEOB Professor Stephen Porder.
Quahogging in Class with ENVS 0717
Students deepened their knowledge of course topics by working in the field and hearing from an experienced quahogger.
12 climate change books to give friends and family over the holidays
This article features "Elemental" by IBES Professor Stephen Porder and "The Quickening" by IBES Fellow Elizabeth Rush.
Student Spotlight: Caroline Sassan ’24
This environmental studies and IAPA concentrator seeks to create direct change in city politics.
Against the Wind: A Map of the Anti-Offshore Wind Network in the Eastern United States
A new report from the Climate and Development lab, a student-faculty think tank led by IBES Professor Timmons Roberts.
December 12, 2023
News from Brown
New study sheds light on how much methane is produced from Arctic lakes and wetlands
Brown research team finds small unmapped lakes in the Arctic are far less abundant than previously thought, greatly reducing the cumulative methane emissions they were thought to contribute to Earth’s atmosphere.
Jackson's water system has improved, but some residents still hesitate to drink from the tap
IBES Affiliate Erica Walker, founder of the Community Noise Lab at Brown’s School of Public Health, was interviewed about the lab’s work to test household water quality in Jackson, Mississippi.
How Much Can Forests Fight Climate Change? A Sensor in Space Has Answers.
IBES Associate Professor James Kellner is involved in the project described in this article.
Research Spotlight: Professor Jon Witman
Marine ecologist Jon Witman is driven to pursue permanent protection of Cashes Ledge, a unique ecosystem and natural laboratory in the heart of the Gulf of Maine.
How to talk to kids about climate change
Elizabeth Rush, IBES Fellow and Assistant Professor of the Practice of English, was a guest on this episode of the On Point radio show.
December 6, 2023
News from Brown
Through real-world projects, Brown environmental course explores contemporary climate issues
Environmental Studies 0110 is both an introductory course on environmental change in the 21st century and a hands-on lab where students engage with how local communities and the natural environment intersect.
To the Moon and back: How artists at Brown are repurposing decades-old film of the Moon
IBES Lecturer Mindi Schneider, instructor of "Commodity Natures" and a volunteer at the Creative Reuse Center of Rhode Island, commented that "Keeping things close to our hearts keeps them out of the landfill."
Your Voice, Your Future Town Hall: Climate Conversation
Professor Meredith Hastings joined a panel of experts to discuss climate change and solutions here in Rhode Island.
Reuters, New York Times Top List of Fossil Fuel Industry’s Media Enablers
Visiting Professor of Environment and Society Robert Brulle offered commentary on a study comparing fossil fuel companies’ advertising claims and actions.
An Inevitable Showdown With the Fossil Fuel Industry Is Brewing at COP28
IBES and Sociology Professor Timmons Roberts offered commentary on the phasing out of fossil fuels and nations that are blocking change.
There’s a crisis in the Yukon River
IBES and History Associate Professor Bathsheba Demuth provided commentary on the various factors contributing to a decline in salmon in the Yukon River.
Newport Preservation Society sues feds over approved offshore wind farms
IBES and Sociology Professor Timmons Roberts offered commentary on offshore wind farms, explaining that they are crucial to cutting energy emissions and mitigating climate change.
Meet the Postdocs: Sonam Futi Sherpa
Meet Dr. Sonam Futi Sherpa, a new postdoctoral researcher in IBES! Sherpa is working with Professor Laurence C. Smith's Northern Change Research Laboratory, using a NASA SWOT satellite mission to observe water and the proglacial environment. Read this Q&A (edited for length and clarity) to learn more about Sherpa's work and what she looks forward to doing at Brown.
November 28, 2023
News from Brown
New state-of-the-art sensor at Brown is enabling city-specific air quality measurements in Providence
A high-grade air quality sensor installed on Brown’s campus is providing detailed measurements of carbon dioxide and methane concentrations in Providence, painting a clearer picture of local air quality.
Relax, Electric Vehicles Really Are the Best Choice for the Climate
Stephen Porder — Associate Provost for Sustainability and Professor in IBES and EEOB — clarifies some common misunderstandings about electric vehicles and their environmental impact in this opinion piece.
Decades of Systematic Obstructionism: Saudi Arabia’s Role in Slowing Progress in UN Climate Negotiations
Ahead of COP 28, an issue paper from the Climate Social Science Network (housed at IBES) reviews the history of Saudi Arabia’s role in global climate negotiations. It finds the Saudi Arabian state regards the UN climate talks and IPCC as diplomatic areas where it must slow, obstruct and – if need be – block progress. Co-authored by IBES and Sociology Professor Timmons Roberts.
Alumna Spotlight: Nora Ong ’23
Building upon her undergrad experiences, this IBES alum now creates mission-driven environmental change at the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.
November 17, 2023
News from Brown
Brown sociologist who contributed to new U.S. National Climate Assessment shares key takeaways
Professor Elizabeth Fussell discussed the Fifth National Climate Assessment, for which she co-authored a chapter, as part of the report’s expanded focus on the social impacts of climate change.