Sustainability Highlights

Pioneering for the planet and parity

One day after discussing the importance of women in conservation with an East-West Sustainability Summit audience in Hawai'i, Julie Wrigley was recognized at the Sustainability Leaders Luncheon as a "Pioneer for the Planet" for her visionary work.

Secretary of Ag Vilsack is guest of ASU Wrigley Institute

In the fight to guard American agriculture against the impacts of increasing climate volatility, the evidence-based solutions universities produce will be vital, said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack at a fall forum hosted by the ASU Wrigley Institute.

One of the 'coolest' schools in the US is in Arizona's desert

Moving up five spots from 2015, Arizona State University was named sixth in Sierra Club's annual "Cool Schools" ranking of roughly 200 colleges and universities – a testament to the strength of its sustainability undergraduate programs, among other features.

ASU retains title as nation's most innovative school

Transdisciplinary collaboration, like that facilitated by the ASU Wrigley Institute's Sustainability Scientists and Scholars Program, is among the qualities that set ASU apart from other contenders for U.S. News & World Report's "most innovative school" title.

Stacy Alaimo: Thought Leader Series

Even researchers in pursuit of sustainability solutions can behave in ways contrary to their cause, says leading environmental humanities scholar Stacy Alaimo, who explores the dangers of an externalized environment in this Thought Leader Series piece.

Teaching water lessons on Main Streets across America

Among the exhibits traveling to small towns throughout the United States with the Smithsonian Institution's "Museum on Main Street" is WaterSim – an interactive water management tool developed by researchers at ASU's Decision Center for a Desert City.

Three new partnerships promise better conservation outcomes

Finding direct application for ASU's wealth of sustainability knowledge, the Center for Biodiversity Outcomes recently formed powerful partnerships with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, the IUCN's Red List and Conservation International.

ASU helps national parks with sustainability dilemma

As the National Park Service celebrated its centennial in August 2016, it welcomed research from ASU's sustainability scientists and scholars on how parks can accommodate growing numbers of visitors in a sustainable way over its next 100 years.

Designing a way to live in a world that's hot

Green roofs and strengthened infrastructure are just two solutions that may play a role in ensuring the habitability of cities like Phoenix in the future, say researchers with the Urban Resilience to Extremes Sustainability Research Network headquartered at ASU.

Making every day in the neighborhood a happy one

After observing urban planning focused solely on improved physical health, School of Sustainability Professor Scott Cloutier and a colleague identified three factors that can promote mental and emotional health – or "happiness" – in the places we live.