Institute at Brown for Environment & Society (IBES)
@brown-ibes.bsky.social
Empowering people, driving solutions for a sustainable world.
ibes.brown.edu
ibes.brown.edu
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IBES is hiring! The Student Transformative Engagement Pathways (STEP) Program Director will guide development and execution of expanded paid internships & research assistantships in climate, sustainability, and the environment for undergrads across Brown. brown.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/staff-...
Just over two weeks until Values at Risk 2025! Don't miss this opportunity to hear from our esteemed guests, each of whom brings their own unique expertise to the topic of climate risk. Register to attend the Dec 9 webinar: events.brown.edu/event/319990...
Join IBES's Values at Risk 2025 webinar! On Dec 9 at noon, experts in finance, insurance, policy, and environmental science will explore how we can better anticipate, price, and manage climate-related risk.
Learn more + register: https://ow.ly/3UVH50XnZaK Carolyn Kousky Environmental Defense Fund
Learn more + register: https://ow.ly/3UVH50XnZaK Carolyn Kousky Environmental Defense Fund
November 24, 2025 at 9:16 PM
Just over two weeks until Values at Risk 2025! Don't miss this opportunity to hear from our esteemed guests, each of whom brings their own unique expertise to the topic of climate risk. Register to attend the Dec 9 webinar: events.brown.edu/event/319990...
Reposted by Institute at Brown for Environment & Society (IBES)
Reporting by @mongabay.com on our new Global Assessment and larger trends of climate obstruction in the COP: india.mongabay.com/2025/11/obst...
Obstruction tactics delay climate action, says global assessment
A new global assessment explores who is blocking action on climate change through coordinated disinformation campaigns.
india.mongabay.com
November 24, 2025 at 6:07 PM
Reporting by @mongabay.com on our new Global Assessment and larger trends of climate obstruction in the COP: india.mongabay.com/2025/11/obst...
Reposted by Institute at Brown for Environment & Society (IBES)
@edsustainable.bsky.social is hosting our first annual interdisciplinary conference!
Research at the intersection of education and the environment. 🎓🌎
May 1st, 2026
Providence, RI
Easy one paragraph abstract submission ⬇️
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
Please share w/ your networks!
Research at the intersection of education and the environment. 🎓🌎
May 1st, 2026
Providence, RI
Easy one paragraph abstract submission ⬇️
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
Please share w/ your networks!
November 20, 2025 at 2:08 PM
@edsustainable.bsky.social is hosting our first annual interdisciplinary conference!
Research at the intersection of education and the environment. 🎓🌎
May 1st, 2026
Providence, RI
Easy one paragraph abstract submission ⬇️
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
Please share w/ your networks!
Research at the intersection of education and the environment. 🎓🌎
May 1st, 2026
Providence, RI
Easy one paragraph abstract submission ⬇️
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
Please share w/ your networks!
Brown faculty, including IBES fellow @baylorfk.bsky.social & affiliate @maratimes.bsky.social, are part of the new SIMCoast initiative modeling microplastics in Narragansett Bay.
“It’s a fantastic way to do interdisciplinary work and learn from others,” Freilich told @browndailyherald.bsky.social.
“It’s a fantastic way to do interdisciplinary work and learn from others,” Freilich told @browndailyherald.bsky.social.
Brown begins work on $7 million microplastics research initiative
Brown’s team in the SIMCoast initiative will focus on modeling microplastics in the Narragansett Bay.
www.browndailyherald.com
November 20, 2025 at 7:11 PM
Brown faculty, including IBES fellow @baylorfk.bsky.social & affiliate @maratimes.bsky.social, are part of the new SIMCoast initiative modeling microplastics in Narragansett Bay.
“It’s a fantastic way to do interdisciplinary work and learn from others,” Freilich told @browndailyherald.bsky.social.
“It’s a fantastic way to do interdisciplinary work and learn from others,” Freilich told @browndailyherald.bsky.social.
Reposted by Institute at Brown for Environment & Society (IBES)
WATCH | “Subjects of the Sun”: Rethinking solar justice with Myles Lennon. During an October 18 book talk hosted by @brown-ibes.bsky.social, Assistant Prof Myles Lennon challenged audiences to see solar energy as not only a climate solution, but a reflection of deeper social and economic inequities.
WATCH | “Subjects of the Sun”: Rethinking solar justice with Myles Lennon
During an October 18 book talk, Assistant Professor Myles Lennon challenged audiences to see solar energy as not only a climate solution, but a reflection of deeper social and economic inequities.
ibes.brown.edu
November 20, 2025 at 3:05 PM
WATCH | “Subjects of the Sun”: Rethinking solar justice with Myles Lennon. During an October 18 book talk hosted by @brown-ibes.bsky.social, Assistant Prof Myles Lennon challenged audiences to see solar energy as not only a climate solution, but a reflection of deeper social and economic inequities.
IBES is hiring! The Student Transformative Engagement Pathways (STEP) Program Director will guide development and execution of expanded paid internships & research assistantships in climate, sustainability, and the environment for undergrads across Brown. brown.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/staff-...
November 20, 2025 at 5:40 PM
IBES is hiring! The Student Transformative Engagement Pathways (STEP) Program Director will guide development and execution of expanded paid internships & research assistantships in climate, sustainability, and the environment for undergrads across Brown. brown.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/staff-...
Reposted by Institute at Brown for Environment & Society (IBES)
Spotted lanternflies, Japanese barberry, Oriental bittersweet – When plants and animals like these invade our environment, they can disrupt other organisms that are native to the region. But can we stop these species? And should we?
www.oceanstatemedia.org/what-should-...
www.oceanstatemedia.org/what-should-...
What should we do about invasive species, and should we do anything at all?
Spotted lanternflies, Japanese barberry, Oriental bittersweet – When plants and animals like these invade our environment, they can disrupt other organisms that are native to the region. But can we st...
www.oceanstatemedia.org
November 20, 2025 at 3:32 PM
Spotted lanternflies, Japanese barberry, Oriental bittersweet – When plants and animals like these invade our environment, they can disrupt other organisms that are native to the region. But can we stop these species? And should we?
www.oceanstatemedia.org/what-should-...
www.oceanstatemedia.org/what-should-...
Reposted by Institute at Brown for Environment & Society (IBES)
A big move in the right direction by world leaders.
See CSSN Director @timmonsroberts.bsky.social quoted in @earthjournalism.bsky.social: earthjournalism.net/stories/coun...
See CSSN Director @timmonsroberts.bsky.social quoted in @earthjournalism.bsky.social: earthjournalism.net/stories/coun...
Countries Sign A Declaration To Fight Climate Disinformation At COP30
earthjournalism.net
November 17, 2025 at 7:14 PM
A big move in the right direction by world leaders.
See CSSN Director @timmonsroberts.bsky.social quoted in @earthjournalism.bsky.social: earthjournalism.net/stories/coun...
See CSSN Director @timmonsroberts.bsky.social quoted in @earthjournalism.bsky.social: earthjournalism.net/stories/coun...
Phosphorus is essential to life on Earth, but in the wrong places and quantities, it’s an environmental hazard.
IBES Prof Stephen Porder and UVM Assoc Prof Eric Roy, a former Voss postdoc, joined Facing Future to discuss the phosphorus conundrum and explain their work on the phosphorous cycle.
IBES Prof Stephen Porder and UVM Assoc Prof Eric Roy, a former Voss postdoc, joined Facing Future to discuss the phosphorus conundrum and explain their work on the phosphorous cycle.
The Phosphorus Conundrum
YouTube video by Facing Future
www.youtube.com
November 18, 2025 at 6:47 PM
Phosphorus is essential to life on Earth, but in the wrong places and quantities, it’s an environmental hazard.
IBES Prof Stephen Porder and UVM Assoc Prof Eric Roy, a former Voss postdoc, joined Facing Future to discuss the phosphorus conundrum and explain their work on the phosphorous cycle.
IBES Prof Stephen Porder and UVM Assoc Prof Eric Roy, a former Voss postdoc, joined Facing Future to discuss the phosphorus conundrum and explain their work on the phosphorous cycle.
Reposted by Institute at Brown for Environment & Society (IBES)
Red seaweed has been washing up on Rhode Island beaches for years, but what is it? On our latest episode of Possibly: what’s causing this red seaweed to appear, how it’s different from harmful “red tides” and how it might help the planet.
www.oceanstatemedia.org/news-and-cul...
www.oceanstatemedia.org/news-and-cul...
Should we be concerned about red seaweed washing up on Rhode Island’s beaches?
Red seaweed has been washing up on Rhode Island beaches for years, but what is it? This week on Possibly we explain what’s causing this red seaweed to appear, how it’s different from harmful “red tide...
www.oceanstatemedia.org
November 18, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Red seaweed has been washing up on Rhode Island beaches for years, but what is it? On our latest episode of Possibly: what’s causing this red seaweed to appear, how it’s different from harmful “red tides” and how it might help the planet.
www.oceanstatemedia.org/news-and-cul...
www.oceanstatemedia.org/news-and-cul...
How can we deepen collaboration across disciplines & communities to tackle the climate crisis more effectively? Explore answers during the Equitable Climate Future Initiative's 2025 conference on Dec 3! Learn more: https://events.brown.edu/event/319822-equitable-climate-futures-seeding-collaborative
November 17, 2025 at 5:20 PM
How can we deepen collaboration across disciplines & communities to tackle the climate crisis more effectively? Explore answers during the Equitable Climate Future Initiative's 2025 conference on Dec 3! Learn more: https://events.brown.edu/event/319822-equitable-climate-futures-seeding-collaborative
Join IBES's Values at Risk 2025 webinar! On Dec 9 at noon, experts in finance, insurance, policy, and environmental science will explore how we can better anticipate, price, and manage climate-related risk.
Learn more + register: https://ow.ly/3UVH50XnZaK Carolyn Kousky Environmental Defense Fund
Learn more + register: https://ow.ly/3UVH50XnZaK Carolyn Kousky Environmental Defense Fund
November 14, 2025 at 6:05 PM
Join IBES's Values at Risk 2025 webinar! On Dec 9 at noon, experts in finance, insurance, policy, and environmental science will explore how we can better anticipate, price, and manage climate-related risk.
Learn more + register: https://ow.ly/3UVH50XnZaK Carolyn Kousky Environmental Defense Fund
Learn more + register: https://ow.ly/3UVH50XnZaK Carolyn Kousky Environmental Defense Fund
IBES Director @kimcobb.bsky.social joined LA's AirTalk radio show to discuss Bill Gates's recent memo on climate change — in which he expresses concerns on how the climate crisis is being framed and addressed — and how should we talk about climate moving forward. laist.com/news/la-city...
November 14, 2025 at 5:53 PM
IBES Director @kimcobb.bsky.social joined LA's AirTalk radio show to discuss Bill Gates's recent memo on climate change — in which he expresses concerns on how the climate crisis is being framed and addressed — and how should we talk about climate moving forward. laist.com/news/la-city...
Reposted by Institute at Brown for Environment & Society (IBES)
Lukas Rieppel Named 2025 @brown-ibes.bsky.social Catalyst Research Awardee — The annual award supports Brown University faculty in pursuing research that aligns with IBES’s goals of accelerating exploratory research with the potential to impact communities and engage with non-academic partners.
IBES announces 2025 Catalyst Research Awardees
IBES awarded grants to six core and affiliate faculty members, allowing them to conduct research that crosses boundaries and benefits communities, both at Brown and around the world.
ibes.brown.edu
November 14, 2025 at 3:06 PM
Lukas Rieppel Named 2025 @brown-ibes.bsky.social Catalyst Research Awardee — The annual award supports Brown University faculty in pursuing research that aligns with IBES’s goals of accelerating exploratory research with the potential to impact communities and engage with non-academic partners.
At a recent IBES seminar, Columbia University's Adam Sobel called for a transparent approach to climate risk science—one that guides practical decisions in an era of extremes. Learn more and view a recording of the event: https://ibes.brown.edu/news/2025-11-12/sobel-climate-risk
WATCH | Usable climate science: Adam Sobel on making risk research work for the real world
At a recent IBES seminar, Columbia University’s Adam Sobel called for a transparent approach to climate risk science—one that guides practical decisions in an era of extremes.
ibes.brown.edu
November 13, 2025 at 8:35 PM
At a recent IBES seminar, Columbia University's Adam Sobel called for a transparent approach to climate risk science—one that guides practical decisions in an era of extremes. Learn more and view a recording of the event: https://ibes.brown.edu/news/2025-11-12/sobel-climate-risk
Reposted by Institute at Brown for Environment & Society (IBES)
A sobering take on what a slew of new reports say about how the world will look under 2-3°C+ of warming. W/ @laurapaddison.bsky.social & insights from @drkatemarvel.bsky.social, @kimcobb.bsky.social, @weatherwest.bsky.social & others. www.cnn.com/2025/11/12/c... (For CNN subscribers.)
New reports paint picture of an ‘extremely dangerous’ future with warming expected to blow past key limit | CNN
Melting ice sheets. Massive flooding. Dead coral reefs. Humanity is careening toward an untenable future as global temperatures rise, scientists warn
www.cnn.com
November 12, 2025 at 3:42 PM
A sobering take on what a slew of new reports say about how the world will look under 2-3°C+ of warming. W/ @laurapaddison.bsky.social & insights from @drkatemarvel.bsky.social, @kimcobb.bsky.social, @weatherwest.bsky.social & others. www.cnn.com/2025/11/12/c... (For CNN subscribers.)
Several IBES Voss Fellows have brought their research beyond campus this semester, presenting at Providence’s Hamilton House as part of the Conversations in Science series: a collaboration that connects Brown scholars with lifelong learners eager to explore real-world environmental challenges.
IBES Voss Fellows bring climate research to the community
Members of the 2025-2026 Voss Undergraduate Fellowship cohort have shared their research with local audiences through the Conversations in Science series at Providence’s Hamilton House.
ibes.brown.edu
November 12, 2025 at 5:55 PM
Several IBES Voss Fellows have brought their research beyond campus this semester, presenting at Providence’s Hamilton House as part of the Conversations in Science series: a collaboration that connects Brown scholars with lifelong learners eager to explore real-world environmental challenges.
IBES Voss Postdoc Elodie Freymann is first author of a new report that documents a novel foraging behavior in fire-crested alethes. The African birds followed humans & bushbuck, likely to flush out insect prey, diverging from their typical ant-following strategy. www.frontiersin.org/journals/bir...
November 11, 2025 at 5:42 PM
IBES Voss Postdoc Elodie Freymann is first author of a new report that documents a novel foraging behavior in fire-crested alethes. The African birds followed humans & bushbuck, likely to flush out insect prey, diverging from their typical ant-following strategy. www.frontiersin.org/journals/bir...
IBES Professor Amanda Lynch co-authored a new policy brief published by the Geneva Centre for Security Policy, which argues that, in the Arctic, the global transformation brought about by AI and ML technology is "not merely disruptive – it is decisive."
Read "Algorithmic North" ⤵️
Read "Algorithmic North" ⤵️
www.gcsp.ch
November 11, 2025 at 1:03 AM
IBES Professor Amanda Lynch co-authored a new policy brief published by the Geneva Centre for Security Policy, which argues that, in the Arctic, the global transformation brought about by AI and ML technology is "not merely disruptive – it is decisive."
Read "Algorithmic North" ⤵️
Read "Algorithmic North" ⤵️
IBES affiliate David Savitz, a professor emeritus of epidemiology and pediatrics, offered commentary on how uncertainty around toxin data can affect public health outcomes.
For decades, researchers warned about chemicals harming children's health. Few listened. Now Kennedy's in the Trump admin, championing similar concerns. Birnbaum calls it a "dance with the devil", risky, but an opportunity too significant to ignore.
The Cultural and Political Moment for Toxins Research
A longstanding push for urgent action on environmental toxins is landing in an unprecedented time in American politics.
f.mtr.cool
November 7, 2025 at 9:13 PM
IBES affiliate David Savitz, a professor emeritus of epidemiology and pediatrics, offered commentary on how uncertainty around toxin data can affect public health outcomes.
Reposted by Institute at Brown for Environment & Society (IBES)
Viewpoint: @carlschleussner.bsky.social @paucastro.bsky.social Alexandra Lesnikowski, @adellethomas.bsky.social @romainweikmans.bsky.social @timmonsroberts.bsky.social Ambuj Sagar, Sonia Klinsky, Thomas Bernauer discuss status of #ParisAgreement Articles on it's 10th anniversary rdcu.be/eOBBU
Expert retrospective on a decade of the Paris Agreement
Nature Climate Change - To mark the tenth anniversary of the Paris Agreement, Nature Climate Change asked experts to reflect on the progress of and barriers to several of its key Articles. They...
rdcu.be
November 6, 2025 at 10:12 PM
Viewpoint: @carlschleussner.bsky.social @paucastro.bsky.social Alexandra Lesnikowski, @adellethomas.bsky.social @romainweikmans.bsky.social @timmonsroberts.bsky.social Ambuj Sagar, Sonia Klinsky, Thomas Bernauer discuss status of #ParisAgreement Articles on it's 10th anniversary rdcu.be/eOBBU
A new paper co-authored by IBES Asst Prof @danibarra.bsky.social examines chemical fingerprints in preserved trees understand how plants responded to the low CO2 levels and cooler temperatures of the last glacial period, about 20,000 years ago.
Read the full press release:
Read the full press release:
Analysis of ancient tree remains suggests that inefficient photorespiration during the last ice age may have helped maintain atmospheric carbon dioxide, contributing to climate stability.
Ancient trees' inefficient photorespiration may have helped stabilize Earth's atmosphere during last ice age
Ancient trees may have played a key role in regulating Earth's climate during the last ice age—by 'breathing' less efficiently.
phys.org
November 5, 2025 at 9:35 PM
A new paper co-authored by IBES Asst Prof @danibarra.bsky.social examines chemical fingerprints in preserved trees understand how plants responded to the low CO2 levels and cooler temperatures of the last glacial period, about 20,000 years ago.
Read the full press release:
Read the full press release:
IBES is hiring! We seek a Visiting Asst Professor for the 2026-27 & 2027-28 academic years with the possibility of renewal. Scholars with expertise in energy, sustainable design, the built environment, and/or environmental justice are particularly encouraged to apply. apply.interfolio.com/176395
November 5, 2025 at 8:17 PM
IBES is hiring! We seek a Visiting Asst Professor for the 2026-27 & 2027-28 academic years with the possibility of renewal. Scholars with expertise in energy, sustainable design, the built environment, and/or environmental justice are particularly encouraged to apply. apply.interfolio.com/176395
Celebrate Geography Awareness Week at Brown! From Nov 17-21, IBES & partners will host a career panel, photo contest, workshops, colloquia, and tours highlighting how GIS skills can be used in + beyond the classroom.
Full schedule: https://ibes.brown.edu/news-events/2025-geography-awareness-week
Full schedule: https://ibes.brown.edu/news-events/2025-geography-awareness-week
November 5, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Celebrate Geography Awareness Week at Brown! From Nov 17-21, IBES & partners will host a career panel, photo contest, workshops, colloquia, and tours highlighting how GIS skills can be used in + beyond the classroom.
Full schedule: https://ibes.brown.edu/news-events/2025-geography-awareness-week
Full schedule: https://ibes.brown.edu/news-events/2025-geography-awareness-week
IBES affiliate @steffriedhoff.bsky.social, a professor of the practice at @brownpublichealth.bsky.social, is among the authors of a new report highlighting how extreme weather events are jeopardizing the health, safety and economic prospects of Americans.
Only 5% of public health officials feel “very prepared” to handle the escalating impacts of extreme weather. And 61% are without a lifeline: their preparations for extreme weather rely on federal funds that are now in flux.
Learn more⤵️
fas.org/publication/...
Learn more⤵️
fas.org/publication/...
Protecting the Health of Americans in the Face of Extreme Weather - Federation of American Scientists
A new report, "Protecting the Health of Americans in the Face of Extreme Weather: A Roadmap for Coordinated Action" was developed to support leaders at this moment of evolving challenges, needs and op...
fas.org
November 4, 2025 at 8:00 PM
IBES affiliate @steffriedhoff.bsky.social, a professor of the practice at @brownpublichealth.bsky.social, is among the authors of a new report highlighting how extreme weather events are jeopardizing the health, safety and economic prospects of Americans.