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Karen Frey with ship

Solving Earth’s Greatest Challenge

For decades, Clark University scholars have confronted the climate crisis through research and engagement across the world. We explore questions spanning climate science, vulnerability, mitigation, and adaptation at the intersection of social equity and justice. Our holistic approach to climate and global change inspires all of us to take action — now.

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Our Impact

Our researchers work with policymakers, panels, advisory boards, and stakeholders on high-profile projects that affect climate-related decisions and action from the local to international levels.

Explore Impacts

Centers and Departments

At Clark University, research in climate and global change is generated through the George Perkins Marsh Institute, Clark Labs, Graduate School of Geography, and International Development, Community, and Environment Department.

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George Perkins Marsh Institute

Experts in the George Perkins Marsh Institute research the socio-ecological, technical, and institutional systems through which humans interact with the environment, as well as how to respond to change.

Learn About Marsh
Students discussing environment with GIS software in background

Clark Labs

Clark Labs is dedicated to the research and development of geospatial technologies used for environmental management, sustainable resource development, and equitable resource allocation.

Research Technologies
Karen Frey and students in lab

Graduate School of Geography

The Graduate School of Geography’s doctoral program is top-ranked in the country by the National Research Council and is internationally renowned, attracting and training students from all over the world. Many work directly on climate-related issues.

Discover Geography
Students reviewing GIS software on computer

Sustainability and Social Justice

The Sustainability and Social Justice Department’s transdisciplinary curriculum explores and identifies possible solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges, including climate change impacts on environments and communities.

Visit SSJ

George Perkins Marsh Institute

Experts in the George Perkins Marsh Institute research the socio-ecological, technical, and institutional systems through which humans interact with the environment, as well as how to respond to change.

Learn About Marsh
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Student collecting water sample from pond

Academics

Join others who are passionate about identifying solutions and taking action to solve the climate crisis. Discover Clark’s courses and degree programs in climate science, GIS, adaptation, and more.

Explore Courses and Programs

Climate Change News

Through their research and engagement, Clark University scholars and alumni are developing solutions in a world impacted by climate change.

Water Quality

How much do we value healthy rivers and streams?

An article in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences describes how a Clark-led study is exploring New Englanders’ attitudes toward water quality.

Renewable energy

Seeking a brighter future for global energy

Over the past decade, Graduate School of Geography faculty and students have intensified their research into renewable energy solutions.

 

 

Technology and Community

Mexico project to study water impacts

Researchers to use GIS mapping and XR technology to explore our future under climate change.

Undergraduate Research

Class learns to navigate the climate crisis

In their first semester here, students conduct research and meet with esteemed climate scholars.

Energy: Past and Future

A deep dig into the extractives industry

Geography Professor Tony Bebbington explores mining’s impact on people and the environment.

Clark’s Focus on Climate and Global Change

By the Numbers

The numbers paint a picture of Clark faculty and student engagement in climate research across the world.

100+

Graduate and undergraduate courses through which to study climate and global change.

Explore Courses

1,000,000

Acres of forest converted to non-forest areas across 48 states annually, according to research by Geography Professor Christopher Williams.

Discover Findings
Students standing on street

135+

Students researching human-environment relationships in Massachusetts over two decades as part of the HERO Program.

Apply for a Fellowship
Karen Frey on ice in Arctic

11

Annual NOAA Arctic Report Card entries led by polar scientist Karen Frey, a Clark geography professor.

Latest Arctic Report Card

47

Graduate students in geography receiving Sussman Fellowships for environment-related research, totaling nearly $320,000, since 2014.

Apply for a Fellowship

80

Number of new climate stations being added across Hawaii as part of Clark Professor Abby Frazier’s NSF grant.

Learn about Research in Hawaii

100+

Graduate and undergraduate courses through which to study climate and global change.

Explore Courses

1,000,000

Acres of forest converted to non-forest areas across 48 states annually, according to research by Geography Professor Christopher Williams.

Discover Findings
Students standing on street

135+

Students researching human-environment relationships in Massachusetts over two decades as part of the HERO Program.

Apply for a Fellowship
Karen Frey on ice in Arctic

11

Annual NOAA Arctic Report Card entries led by polar scientist Karen Frey, a Clark geography professor.

Latest Arctic Report Card

47

Graduate students in geography receiving Sussman Fellowships for environment-related research, totaling nearly $320,000, since 2014.

Apply for a Fellowship

80

Number of new climate stations being added across Hawaii as part of Clark Professor Abby Frazier’s NSF grant.

Learn about Research in Hawaii