U of I SMARTFARM researchers use novel AI to model GHG emissions
URBANA, Ill. -- University of Illinois researchers were part of a multi-institutional team that has significantly improved the performance of numerical predictions for agricultural nitrous oxide emissions using novel modeling that combines artificial intelligence and process-based knowledge.
Green roofs are worth the cost for urban residents
URBANA, Ill. – Plant-covered roofs have become a regular sight in Portland, Oregon. The city is a leader in incorporating green infrastructure for stormwater management, including free street trees, rebates for small residential housing footprints, and green roofs.
5 Questions: ACE student helps promote sustainability, combat food insecurity
This week’s 5 Questions Friday features Jenna Schaefer, ACE major with environmental science focus
Where did you grow up? Do you have an agriculture background? If so, please describe.
University of Illinois professor contributes to dire IPCC climate change report
URBANA, Ill. – Human-induced climate change is already causing dangerous and widespread disruption in nature and affecting the lives of billions of people around the world. The consequences will grow much worse with time unless more concerted efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the expected changes start now.
iSEE, NRES Seeking Levenick Resident Scholar for 2022-23
The Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment (iSEE), in partnership with the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences (NRES), invites applications and nominations for the Stuart L. and Nancy J. Levenick Resident Scholar in Sustainability Leadership for the 2022-23 academic year at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
NRES professor named associate director for campus sustainability
Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences Associate Professor Jennifer Fraterrigo has been named Associate Director for Campus Sustainability in the Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment (iSEE).
Lead lurking in your soil? New Chicago project maps distribution
URBANA, Ill. – Lead exposure in early childhood can have lifelong consequences, including brain damage, developmental delays, and learning and behavioral disorders. Preventing these devastating outcomes means avoiding lead, but that’s only possible if you know where to find it.
The little algae that could: algal growth helps clean up toxic wastewater
URBANA, Ill. – You may not want to see algae spreading a green carpet on your favorite lake. But in toxic wastewater, tiny algal organisms become potent powerhouses that eat nutrients and produce oxygen, helping to convert poisonous sludge to reusable biomass.
A new study from the University of Illinois explores growth and viability of four different algae species in wastewater from biocrude oil production.
Brawn honored as inaugural Levenick Chair in Sustainability
URBANA, Ill. – In January 2020, professor Jeffrey Brawn was named the inaugural Stuart L. and Nancy J. Levenick Chair in Sustainability, the first endowed chair in the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences (NRES) at the University of Illinois. A pandemic-belated ceremony happened yesterday on the Urbana campus.
Can sustainability standards effectively mitigate food system challenges?
URBANA, Ill. – While agrifood production is essential for feeding our growing global population, it can also contribute to environmental and social problems, including deforestation, biodiversity loss, poor or precarious labor conditions, and persistent poverty. Certification and standards can encourage use of sustainable production practices, but how effective are such programs in addressing food system challenges?