Earth, energy + environment

Research in this area will increase understanding of the various dimensions and impacts of climate change on human and natural systems, developing new technologies and mitigation strategies with an ultimate goal of sustaining the life of the planet and its inhabitants.

Select KU research in this area

Photo of sewage being dumped into lake.

New report presented to EPA evaluates future of ‘cumulative impact assessment’ on vulnerable communities

David Slusky, professor of economics, is one of 16 experts from diverse fields invited to be on the committee, which convened frequently in both closed and open sessions between June 2024 and August 2025.
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Water in the Flint Hills region of Kansas.

Kansas Economic Policy Conference to address water policy and its effects on the Kansas economy

This year's conference, Ripple Effect: Water and the Kansas Economy, is hosted by KU’s Institute for Policy & Social Research. Subject matter experts from a range of disciplines and locations across the state will discuss Kansas’ water from various perspectives.
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Illustration of a tree dying.

Researcher outlines ‘cluster of topics’ for legal approach to address global climate crises

As climate crises worsen and political will to take concrete steps to address them are lacking in many areas of the world, a University of Kansas law professor has published an article outlining the ecological, cultural, global, ethical and legal reforms that would be necessary to address the issues.
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Someone running their hands under water.

Law scholar examines water law approaches around the world, analyzing how nations protect vital resource

A University of Kansas environmental law expert has written a chapter comparing water laws around the world as part of a book that examines how different legal systems handle environmental law.
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KU's strengths in this area