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Meandering Arctic river
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Arctic rivers

New research shows the gradual sideways shift of river channels in the western Arctic has slowed 20 percent over 50 years. The surprising slowdown is linked to climate change and affects Earth processes, including the release of organic carbon into the ocean.

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Earth. Climate. Society.

The Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability draws on a deep understanding of Earth, climate, and society to create solutions at a global scale, in collaboration with partners worldwide. Together, we strive to create a future where humans and nature thrive in concert and in perpetuity.

 

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Sand deposits in the deep sea

Coastal erosion

New research suggests extreme weather events and climate conditions that increase erosion on land could amplify delivery of sand into the deep ocean.

Why whales need to be big

Minke whales

A new study of Antarctic minke whales finds these gigantic mammals have the smallest possible body size for their style of feeding. The research could help scientists understand which whale species are more vulnerable to future climate impacts.

New chance to protect wetlands

Marsh deer in the Ibera wetland, Argentina

Although wetlands remain threatened in many parts of the world, global losses of wetlands have likely been overestimated, a new study finds.


Arun Majumdar

Arun Majumdar
Inaugural Dean, Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability

“Climate and sustainability are the defining issues of the 21st century. Arguably, there is no other issue that is more important that will affect humanity and the planet.”

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Our global network works with us to develop ideas and solutions.

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Your support helps us fund new research, hire faculty, and create solutions.

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Meet Rosemary Knight, professor of geophysics and of Earth system science gives a TED-style talk on scaling the impact of geophyics. 

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Our community

Sustainability challenges affect everyone, and we need to include all voices in creating global solutions. We support a diverse community of faculty, students, and staff through our DEI programming, including our courses, financial aid, and affinity groups. We also hold ourselves accountable by tracking our progress.

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Learn more about our DEI programs

In the Earth Systems Program, undergraduate and coterminal master’s students learn about and independently investigate complex environmental problems caused by human activities in conjunction with natural changes in the Earth system.

About the school

The Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability incorporates the people and programs of the former School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences and expands to include the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment, the Precourt Institute for Energy, and the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (joint with the School of Engineering). It also includes the facilities of Hopkins Marine Station, which had been part of the School of Humanities and Sciences. The school also includes a Sustainability Accelerator, and will have an Institute for Sustainable Societies, as well as several new departments and initiatives.

Learn more about the school’s history