Sustainability Matters

Moving forward on climate change post Paris agreement

At a Case Critical discussion about the U.S.'s withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, panelists Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton, School of Sustainability Assistant Professor Sonja Klinsky and ASU economist William Boyes expressed differing opinions about the best next steps.

Sir Crispin Tickell: Thought Leader Series

In an essay titled "Seizing sustainability at a time of reckoning," Distinguished Sustainability Fellow and ASU Wrigley Institute Board Member Sir Crispin Tickell contrasts human enlightenment to issues of sustainability with our seeming unwillingness to take timely, meaningful action.

Incubating waste innovations for a robust circular economy

Announced in June 2017 by the Resource Innovation and Solutions Network, the RISN Incubator – a business development and accelerator program – is seeking early-stage ventures that focus on solutions to waste-related challenges and work toward a circular economy.

ASU in world's Top 3 for sustainability initiatives

According to a 2017 rating by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, ASU is third in the world and second in the U.S. for sustainability initiatives, receiving 87 percent in academics and research and 95 percent in campus and public engagement.

Vision for rehabilitated watershed lands ASU team with award

An ASU team took the overall prize in the "Make the Ala Wai Awesome" challenge, an international student design competition that asked contestants to rehabilitate a critical Oʻahu watershed containing one of the nation’s most polluted bodies of water.

ASU, Conservation International team up to protect biodiversity

As a key program within the Knowledge Partnership between the Center for Biodiversity Outcomes and Conservation International, ASU welcomed seven Professors of Practice, who will devote time to teaching, mentoring and service initiatives at the university.

Scientist 'throws shade' on hot summer days

After finding that shade is the most important factor for comfort, Senior Sustainability Scientist Ariane Middel developed a tool that will someday show pedestrians the shadiest – and therefore coolest – route to their destinations, as well as tell planners where more shade is needed.

Fishing for answers in Phoenix's urban lakes

Uncovering opportunities to reduce public health risks, a study led by School of Sustainability graduate Erin Pulford found that, of the anglers surveyed at six urban lakes in Phoenix, the majority ate recreationally-caught fishes despite suspecting the water was polluted.

Sustainable Cities Network receives Ponderosa Pine Partnership Award

Recognizing its work on the Regional Tree & Shade Summit 2.0, the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management presented ASU's Sustainable Cities Network with the first Ponderosa Pine Partnership Award at the state's 2017 Arbor Day Celebration.

Art exhibit showcases nature-inspired designs

With the involvement of ASU's Biomimicry Institute, a 2017 exhibit at the Tempe Center for the Arts titled "Biomimicry: Nature Inspired Design" shows visitors an approach to problem-solving that harnesses both the practicality and beauty of nature's designs.

Pairing sustainability knowledge with implementation know-how

Beginning in fall 2017, Project Cities will pair faculty and students from ASU’s School of Sustainability and other departments with a city in the greater Phoenix area. The entities will collaborate for 12 to 24 months, co-creating strategies for better environmental, economic and social balance in that community.

Milton Sommerfeld: Legacy and Lifetime Achievements

Appropriately dubbed "The Wizard of Ooze," Milton Sommerfeld illuminated the world of algae with vibrant imagery and bubbling-good humor. With this tribute we remember Sommerfeld, who died in May 2017 and left an enduring legacy of research – both at ASU and well beyond its walls.

Sustainability alumnus named to Greenbiz '30 Under 30'

ASU LightWorks Program Coordinator Samson Szeto has been named to the 2017 GreenBiz "30 Under 30," the second year in a row that a School of Sustainability graduate has made the list of young professionals striving to make both their workplace and the world a better place.