PAOC Spotlights

Reductions in CFC-11 emissions put ozone recovery back on track

Scientists observe reduction in emissions of banned ozone-depleting chemical after unexpected spike.

Meet the team shaking up climate models

Can machine learning help build a better climate model? If scientists can create a new way to predict climate change – making it as accurate as, say, forecasting the weather – it would help people make everyday decisions: how high to build a sea wall...

Four MIT scientists honored with 2021 National Academy of Sciences awards

Pablo Jarillo-Herrero, Aviv Regev, Susan Solomon, and Feng Zhang are the recipients of distinguished awards for major contributions to science.

Climate change: Where we are, where we’re headed, what we can do

MIT Joint Program faculty affiliate Noelle Selin shares scientific perspective in Civic Series webinar

The Creepy, Unbelievably Inspiring World of Deep Sea Parasites

Ocean hitchhikers and bodysnatchers abound in the ocean, from the surface down to the deepest trenches. The question is, why? And is it a good thing?

Scientists discover slimy microbes that may help keep coral reefs healthy

The bacteria scrub out nitrogen, potentially defending against certain nutrient overloads.

Can icebergs be towed to water-starved cities?

WHOI researchers are now investigating the feasibility of towing icebergs to alleviate water shortages.

Aerosols from pollution, desert storms, and forest fires may intensify thunderstorms

MIT scientists have discovered a new mechanism by which aerosols may intensify thunderstorms in tropical regions.

MIT oceanographers have an explanation for the Arctic’s puzzling ocean turbulence

MIT oceanographers have proposed an explanation for the Arctic’s puzzling ocean turbulence.

Covid-19: A teachable moment for how we confront climate change and economic challenges

Perspective from the MIT Joint Program on the Science and Policy of Global Change

Case studies show climate variation linked to rise and fall of medieval nomadic empires

Paleoclimatology provides important context for examining the activities of past human societies.

Navigating the energy transition

ILP-MIT Joint Program webinar explores climate-related physical and transition risks'

John Marshall awarded the 2020 A.G. Huntsman Medal

The honor recognizes excellence of research and outstanding contributions to marine sciences.

Bringing down mercury

Back before the world turned upside down, before Covid-19 gripped the globe and our bodies, back when you could easily take an airplane to a remote destination for vacation, Noelle Selin did just that.

3 Questions: COVID-19 shutdowns highlight complex chemistry in the atmosphere

Emission levels of some pollutants dropped during COVID-19 shutdowns, but MIT Professors Colette Heald and Jesse Kroll say that’s not the whole story when it comes to air quality and human health.

New multi-institutional grant will support a fleet of robotic floats

A five-year, $53 million grant from the National Science Foundation to a consortium of ocean-research institutions will build a global network of 500 robotic biochemical sensors.

Two New Studies Substantially Advance Understanding of Currents that Help Regulate Climate

Formation of deep water that drives overturning circulation found to have a common origin and to spill over into the North Atlantic via a newly discovered pathway

What We Know About Climate Change

The science is clear: the Earth’s climate is changing faster today than ever before in the history of our species – and human actions are the main reason why. If global warming goes on unchecked, we leave ourselves open to severe risks.

Universities should lead the way on climate action, MIT panelists say

An online symposium explores roles for research universities and outlines the Institute’s efforts to be a testbed for research and policy innovations.

AGU Fall Meeting goes online for 2020

MIT Joint Program on the Science and Policy of Global Change researchers to share findings on the state of global change

Saudi Arabia faces increased heat, humidity, precipitation extremes by mid-century

High-resolution climate projections could enable a robust adaptation and resilience response

Revamped MIT Climate Portal aims to inform and empower the public

Website hosts an expanded suite of digital tools and resources to help people make sense of climate change.

Antarctic sea ice may not cap carbon emissions as much as previously thought

Study suggests sea ice blocks the flow of carbon both into and out of the ocean, in roughly equal measure.

Studies investigate marine heatwaves, shifting ocean currents

Extreme warming events impact fisheries and economies; understanding processes beneath ocean surface is crucial for assessment and management

MIT Integrative Microbiology Initiative will stimulate environmental microbiology research

Project supported by the Simons Foundation aims to reinvigorate environmental science by leaning on Parsons Laboratory's past as a leader in the space.