Lots of phenomena go into predicting climate—the sun, the atmosphere, glaciers, clouds, and much more! Associate Professor of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Science Baylor Fox-Kemper explains why scientists use models to combine all of these influences, and why trusting predictions from these models is a smart idea.

Polar bears are cute, and look so cuddly—but why else should we care if their populations are in danger? As IBES Director Amanda Lynch explains, the health of polar bears is intimately connected with the health of the Arctic ecosystem, which is, in turn, an early warning system for the rest of the planet.

Local food systems, including the practice of urban farming, often seem like ideal ways to improve food access for people in need. But how well does the reality measure up to this ideal? Dawn King, Lecturer in Environment and Society, explains.

Paleoclimatologists collect all sorts of deposits from the Earth's surface in order to tell how the planet's climate has varied in the past. Associate Professor Jim Russell explains more about the science, and why it's important to understand in the context of climate change today.

Former IBES postdoc Kate Weinberger talks about the consequences of hot days for human health, and the policies that help (or fail to help) curb common adverse health effects.