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.

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Hydrogen holding tanks against a blue sky

Kansas coalition to take step toward development of regional hydrogen hub

A coalition of Kansas public entities and private partners — including the University of Kansas — will apply for federal funding that could make Kansas a regional hub in the emerging hydrogen economy.
Split image showing two engineers installing a solar panel on a rooftop at left and KU scientist Hongda Zhu, postdoctoral scientist at KU’s Center for Environmentally Beneficial Catalysis, preparing a laboratory reactor for processing material samples at right.

KU researchers and collaborators developing new technologies for recycling solar panels

Researchers at KU’s Center for Environmentally Beneficial Catalysis are helping develop a green, low-cost method to separate and reuse components from used solar panels for recycling.
Unmanned aerial system flying against a blue, cloud-covered sky

Researchers at CReSIS build radar system to extend range of ice surveys, close 'data gap'

With the new radar, scientists will be able to gather more complete data on ice-sheet thickness in some of the most remote expanses of Antarctica and Greenland.
Masoud Kalantari stands in front of a window in KU's Earth, Energy & Environment Center explaining his research.

'Breakthrough' research could minimize environmental footprint of hydraulic fracturing

KU's Center for Environmentally Beneficial Catalysis received a $4 million grant from the National Science Foundation to improve how plastics are manufactured and recycled.

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A wildfire on a hilly landscape at night

KU researchers to analyze how climate change intersects with race, inequality, health

University of Kansas researchers are examining how climate change interacts with health inequity in communities with high levels of segregation, economic and social disadvantages.
A bridge over water

Researchers to develop new models for forecasting water availability, allocation in Kansas

KU engineering researchers are assisting the Kansas Water Office in allocating water amid the uncertainty about the state's future climate.
A researcher works with lab equipment

NSF EPSCOR grant will advance manufacturing of renewable and recyclable plastics

KU's Center for Environmentally Beneficial Catalysis received a $4 million grant from the National Science Foundation to improve how plastics are manufactured and recycled.
A KU researcher kneels in a field and examines tall grass

KU scientists receive $3 million grant to restore native prairie, agricultural systems

University of Kansas researchers are part of a project focused on the restoration of native prairie and agricultural ecosystems.