Boston University Institute for Global Sustainability
@bu-igs.bsky.social
Advancing research for a sustainable and equitable future https://www.bu.edu/igs/
Thankful today and every day for our vibrant IGS community of faculty, staff, students, collaborators, and supporters passionate about #sustainability #research. Happy #Thanksgiving!
November 26, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Thankful today and every day for our vibrant IGS community of faculty, staff, students, collaborators, and supporters passionate about #sustainability #research. Happy #Thanksgiving!
Health experts from @bostonu.bsky.social, @uwmadison.bsky.social & University of Washington explain how climate-related hazards (extreme heat, air pollution & infectious diseases) can put our lives at risk and what we can do about it in @us.theconversation.com. spr.ly/633217Wk39
Want to make America healthy again? Stop fueling climate change
From extreme heat to mosquito-borne illnesses, climate change is making people sicker and more vulnerable to disease. Health scientists explain what individuals and governments can do about it.
spr.ly
November 25, 2025 at 8:22 PM
Health experts from @bostonu.bsky.social, @uwmadison.bsky.social & University of Washington explain how climate-related hazards (extreme heat, air pollution & infectious diseases) can put our lives at risk and what we can do about it in @us.theconversation.com. spr.ly/633217Wk39
#ICYMI IGS was proud to present research and student poster awards to four sustainability superheroes at our Annual Event last month. 🏆 The IGS Sustainability Research Awards celebrate exceptional achievements from our students and faculty. Learn more about the winners:
IGS Announces IPCC Faculty Appointment and 2025 Sustainability Research Awardees at Annual Event
By Laura Hurley The inspiration for this year's Boston University Institute for Global Sustainability (IGS) annual event theme, "From Local to Global," is easy to find at Boston University (BU).
spr.ly
November 24, 2025 at 4:00 PM
#ICYMI IGS was proud to present research and student poster awards to four sustainability superheroes at our Annual Event last month. 🏆 The IGS Sustainability Research Awards celebrate exceptional achievements from our students and faculty. Learn more about the winners:
Michelle Amazeen @commscholar.bsky.social will discuss her new book Content Confusion at a Dec. 4 event at IGS. RSVP now: www.eventbrite.com/e/a-conversa...
Learn more about the book in this article by @amywestervelt.bsky.social for @thenation.com:
www.thenation.com/article/envi...
Learn more about the book in this article by @amywestervelt.bsky.social for @thenation.com:
www.thenation.com/article/envi...
November 20, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Michelle Amazeen @commscholar.bsky.social will discuss her new book Content Confusion at a Dec. 4 event at IGS. RSVP now: www.eventbrite.com/e/a-conversa...
Learn more about the book in this article by @amywestervelt.bsky.social for @thenation.com:
www.thenation.com/article/envi...
Learn more about the book in this article by @amywestervelt.bsky.social for @thenation.com:
www.thenation.com/article/envi...
Many tools to cut #building emissions already exist—so why is progress slow? New IGS & Schneider Electric studies reveal 95 sociotechnical barriers and 50 risks, led by high upfront costs, low awareness, and concerns over performance + reliability. More: spr.ly/63326795qC
Two New Studies From Schneider Electric and IGS Reveal 95 Barriers and 50 Risks Slowing Decarbonization in the Building Sector
By Laura Hurley In the race against time to meet 2050 climate targets, building decarbonization looms large-but high upfront costs and a lack of public awareness are two of the biggest barriers for many countries, slowing the adoption of energy efficiency and electrification technologies. The top risks center on performance and reliability.
spr.ly
November 19, 2025 at 8:05 PM
Many tools to cut #building emissions already exist—so why is progress slow? New IGS & Schneider Electric studies reveal 95 sociotechnical barriers and 50 risks, led by high upfront costs, low awareness, and concerns over performance + reliability. More: spr.ly/63326795qC
The Clean Energy and Environment Legacy Transition (CELT) Initiative is rolling out updates to the CELT Energy Transition Atlas, an interactive mapping tool offering data and information to support sustainable municipal decision-making. Explore the tool:
spr.ly/633227wDbi
spr.ly/633227wDbi
November 18, 2025 at 2:00 PM
The Clean Energy and Environment Legacy Transition (CELT) Initiative is rolling out updates to the CELT Energy Transition Atlas, an interactive mapping tool offering data and information to support sustainable municipal decision-making. Explore the tool:
spr.ly/633227wDbi
spr.ly/633227wDbi
NEW STUDY: More than 14% of people in the contiguous United States reside within a mile of at least one piece of #FossilFuel infrastructure. Authors: @jjbuonocore.bsky.social & @marydwillis.bsky.social. @bostonu.bsky.social
Story: www.bu.edu/igs/2025/11/...
Story: www.bu.edu/igs/2025/11/...
November 17, 2025 at 2:00 PM
NEW STUDY: More than 14% of people in the contiguous United States reside within a mile of at least one piece of #FossilFuel infrastructure. Authors: @jjbuonocore.bsky.social & @marydwillis.bsky.social. @bostonu.bsky.social
Story: www.bu.edu/igs/2025/11/...
Story: www.bu.edu/igs/2025/11/...
📸 Snapshots from @misibu.bsky.social's Communicating Climate Summit! IGS affiliates were among the academics, journalists, government leaders, activists, and storytellers who gathered to discuss the question: how do we communicate the #climate crisis to build trust and prompt action?
November 14, 2025 at 5:16 PM
📸 Snapshots from @misibu.bsky.social's Communicating Climate Summit! IGS affiliates were among the academics, journalists, government leaders, activists, and storytellers who gathered to discuss the question: how do we communicate the #climate crisis to build trust and prompt action?
Reposted by Boston University Institute for Global Sustainability
Here is another upcoming event! This is happening December 4 at 12 PM EST. Copy the link below to register:
www.eventbrite.com/e/a-conversa...
www.eventbrite.com/e/a-conversa...
November 13, 2025 at 4:19 PM
Here is another upcoming event! This is happening December 4 at 12 PM EST. Copy the link below to register:
www.eventbrite.com/e/a-conversa...
www.eventbrite.com/e/a-conversa...
📚 Join us Dec. 4 for lunch & conversation with Michelle Amazeen (@commscholar.bsky.social) on her new book "Content Confusion.” Learn how fossil fuel ads and news outlets blur journalism and advertising, misleading the public. RSVP ⬇️
A Conversation & Lunch with Expert & Author Michelle Amazeen
"Content Confusion" reveals how fossil fuel advertisers and news outlets blur the line between journalism and ads.
spr.ly
November 13, 2025 at 3:24 PM
📚 Join us Dec. 4 for lunch & conversation with Michelle Amazeen (@commscholar.bsky.social) on her new book "Content Confusion.” Learn how fossil fuel ads and news outlets blur journalism and advertising, misleading the public. RSVP ⬇️
IGS's Rebecca Pearl-Martinez represented @bostonu.bsky.social at this year's University Energy Institute Leadership Collaborative (UEILC) summit, a partnership of U.S. university-based energy institutes addressing challenges facing America’s #energy systems and supporting a #LowCarbon future.
November 12, 2025 at 5:29 PM
IGS's Rebecca Pearl-Martinez represented @bostonu.bsky.social at this year's University Energy Institute Leadership Collaborative (UEILC) summit, a partnership of U.S. university-based energy institutes addressing challenges facing America’s #energy systems and supporting a #LowCarbon future.
Reposted by Boston University Institute for Global Sustainability
Congratulations to Benjamin Sovacool, professor of Earth & environment and director of the Institute for Global Sustainability, on his nomination as a Coordinating Lead Author for the upcoming Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Seventh Assessment Report!
Read more: https://bit.ly/47EL9CR
Read more: https://bit.ly/47EL9CR
IGS Director Benjamin Sovacool Nominated as Coordinating Lead Author on Upcoming IPCC Seventh Assessment Report | Institute for Global Sustainability
bit.ly
November 6, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Congratulations to Benjamin Sovacool, professor of Earth & environment and director of the Institute for Global Sustainability, on his nomination as a Coordinating Lead Author for the upcoming Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Seventh Assessment Report!
Read more: https://bit.ly/47EL9CR
Read more: https://bit.ly/47EL9CR
#Urban #trees improve life for residents by cooling neighborhoods, supporting biodiversity, and preventing flooding.
“In some parts of Boston, we only have a 52 percent survival rate of the trees that are planted,” says Jennifer Bhatnagar. Her team is working to fix that: www.bu.edu/articles/202...
“In some parts of Boston, we only have a 52 percent survival rate of the trees that are planted,” says Jennifer Bhatnagar. Her team is working to fix that: www.bu.edu/articles/202...
Living in a City Can Impact a Tree’s Health—BU Researchers Aim to Figure Out Why
Biologist Jennifer Bhatnagar and her team hope their findings can help cities, including Boston, maintain green areas in urban environments
www.bu.edu
November 6, 2025 at 8:43 PM
#Urban #trees improve life for residents by cooling neighborhoods, supporting biodiversity, and preventing flooding.
“In some parts of Boston, we only have a 52 percent survival rate of the trees that are planted,” says Jennifer Bhatnagar. Her team is working to fix that: www.bu.edu/articles/202...
“In some parts of Boston, we only have a 52 percent survival rate of the trees that are planted,” says Jennifer Bhatnagar. Her team is working to fix that: www.bu.edu/articles/202...
The annual Ignition Awards honor @bostonu.bsky.social projects ready to move from the lab toward commercialization. 🏆 Congrats to this year's winners, including teams led by @aysekivilcim.bsky.social and Joerg Werner (BU College of Engineering faculty & IGS core faculty)! www.bu.edu/articles/202...
From Better Batteries to Improved Cartilage Repair, BU Ignition Award Winners Aim for Real-World Impact
Annual honors support innovative Boston University research projects preparing to leap from lab to commercialization
www.bu.edu
November 5, 2025 at 7:53 PM
The annual Ignition Awards honor @bostonu.bsky.social projects ready to move from the lab toward commercialization. 🏆 Congrats to this year's winners, including teams led by @aysekivilcim.bsky.social and Joerg Werner (BU College of Engineering faculty & IGS core faculty)! www.bu.edu/articles/202...
As Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announces ambitions for #Canada to become an "energy superpower," IGS Director @sovacool.bsky.social discusses achieving this with the BBC. Check out the full podcast: www.bbc.com/audio/play/w... #energy
BBC Audio | Business Daily | Can Canada become an energy superpower?
Amidst a US trade-war, Prime Minister Mark Carney has set out big ambitions
www.bbc.com
November 4, 2025 at 2:23 PM
As Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announces ambitions for #Canada to become an "energy superpower," IGS Director @sovacool.bsky.social discusses achieving this with the BBC. Check out the full podcast: www.bbc.com/audio/play/w... #energy
Helping students breathe healthier air 🏫 🎒🍏 @patriciafabian.bsky.social & team recently earned a grant to develop an #AirPollution action plan with @bostonschools.boston.gov. More on the partnership between @bostonu.bsky.social & BPS in @bostonglobe.com:
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/10/26/s...
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/10/26/s...
A tiny device is identifying invisible health hazards in Boston schools - The Boston Globe
Boston Public Schools is using a nation-leading network of air quality sensors to improve classroom air.
www.bostonglobe.com
November 3, 2025 at 8:22 PM
Helping students breathe healthier air 🏫 🎒🍏 @patriciafabian.bsky.social & team recently earned a grant to develop an #AirPollution action plan with @bostonschools.boston.gov. More on the partnership between @bostonu.bsky.social & BPS in @bostonglobe.com:
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/10/26/s...
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/10/26/s...
📣 Interested in #climate and #sustainability #research that makes a real impact at @bostonu.bsky.social & beyond?
BU's Campus Climate Lab offers up to $10,000 for student-mentor teams to use our campuses as a living lab for sustainability research! Apply now: www.bu.edu/igs/research...
BU's Campus Climate Lab offers up to $10,000 for student-mentor teams to use our campuses as a living lab for sustainability research! Apply now: www.bu.edu/igs/research...
October 31, 2025 at 1:52 PM
📣 Interested in #climate and #sustainability #research that makes a real impact at @bostonu.bsky.social & beyond?
BU's Campus Climate Lab offers up to $10,000 for student-mentor teams to use our campuses as a living lab for sustainability research! Apply now: www.bu.edu/igs/research...
BU's Campus Climate Lab offers up to $10,000 for student-mentor teams to use our campuses as a living lab for sustainability research! Apply now: www.bu.edu/igs/research...
📱 Meet some IGS affiliates in our take on the viral #PassthePhone challenge! Our research community convenes experts from theology to engineering, all pursuing a sustainable, resilient future: www.bu.edu/igs/people/d...
October 30, 2025 at 5:12 PM
📱 Meet some IGS affiliates in our take on the viral #PassthePhone challenge! Our research community convenes experts from theology to engineering, all pursuing a sustainable, resilient future: www.bu.edu/igs/people/d...
How can the #SolarEnergy supply chain be more sustainable? IGS Director @sovacool.bsky.social and Research Scientist @drxdunlap.bsky.social traveled across the US to investigate the impacts of the #SolarPanel production process on #communities and #ecosystems.
dailyfreepress.com/10/22/23/215...
dailyfreepress.com/10/22/23/215...
BU faculty uncover what is little known about the production and destruction of solar technology
When Alexander A. Dunlap and Benjamin Sovacool traveled across the country to investigate solar panel supply chains, they discovered the process behind producing clean solar energy was not so clean af...
dailyfreepress.com
October 29, 2025 at 8:04 PM
How can the #SolarEnergy supply chain be more sustainable? IGS Director @sovacool.bsky.social and Research Scientist @drxdunlap.bsky.social traveled across the US to investigate the impacts of the #SolarPanel production process on #communities and #ecosystems.
dailyfreepress.com/10/22/23/215...
dailyfreepress.com/10/22/23/215...
📅 🎟️ Registration is open for the 11/7 @misibu.bsky.social
Communicating Climate Summit, convening leaders from #government, #academia, #journalism & #activism to explore #climate communication across platforms & sectors: www.bu.edu/articles/202... @ericbot73.bsky.social @davabel.bsky.social
Communicating Climate Summit, convening leaders from #government, #academia, #journalism & #activism to explore #climate communication across platforms & sectors: www.bu.edu/articles/202... @ericbot73.bsky.social @davabel.bsky.social
Communicating Climate Is the Focus of Inaugural Boston University Center for Media Innovation & Social Impact Summit
COM’s November 7 event will feature policy experts, scholars, communicators—and a circus acrobat
www.bu.edu
October 29, 2025 at 1:56 PM
📅 🎟️ Registration is open for the 11/7 @misibu.bsky.social
Communicating Climate Summit, convening leaders from #government, #academia, #journalism & #activism to explore #climate communication across platforms & sectors: www.bu.edu/articles/202... @ericbot73.bsky.social @davabel.bsky.social
Communicating Climate Summit, convening leaders from #government, #academia, #journalism & #activism to explore #climate communication across platforms & sectors: www.bu.edu/articles/202... @ericbot73.bsky.social @davabel.bsky.social
🏫 In 2024, UNICEF found #heatwaves to be the top climate-related cause of school closures. @patriciafabian.bsky.social talks #ExtremeHeat in schools with @dialogueearth.bsky.social in a series of new articles.
dialogue.earth/en/climate/t...
dialogue.earth/en/climate/t...
dialogue.earth/en/climate/t...
dialogue.earth/en/climate/t...
Too hot to learn: Cooling Argentina’s overheating schools
Experts hope urban redesign projects can solve a climate crisis in classrooms that left 30 million students in Latin America without teaching last year
dialogue.earth
October 28, 2025 at 8:28 PM
🏫 In 2024, UNICEF found #heatwaves to be the top climate-related cause of school closures. @patriciafabian.bsky.social talks #ExtremeHeat in schools with @dialogueearth.bsky.social in a series of new articles.
dialogue.earth/en/climate/t...
dialogue.earth/en/climate/t...
dialogue.earth/en/climate/t...
dialogue.earth/en/climate/t...
In 2022, about 2.3 billion people lacked access to safe, affordable, and clean sources of #energy for cooking. In many regions, gathering fuel and cooking fall on women and girls, with harmful impacts on well-being. More from @cutlercleveland.bsky.social: visualizingenergy.org/what-are-the...
What are the connections among fuel poverty, time poverty, and gender equity?
Access to clean cooking fuels is crucial for gender equity and poverty alleviation. Currently, billions of people lack safe and affordable energy sources for cooking. Women and girls bear a disproport...
visualizingenergy.org
October 28, 2025 at 4:44 PM
In 2022, about 2.3 billion people lacked access to safe, affordable, and clean sources of #energy for cooking. In many regions, gathering fuel and cooking fall on women and girls, with harmful impacts on well-being. More from @cutlercleveland.bsky.social: visualizingenergy.org/what-are-the...
With growing #AI use, #DataCenters could consume 9% of global electricity demand by 2030. A new perspective by @sovacool.bsky.social, @aysekivilcim.bsky.social, and Can Hankendi calls for transparency from data centers to guide a more #sustainable future:
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
October 27, 2025 at 2:51 PM
With growing #AI use, #DataCenters could consume 9% of global electricity demand by 2030. A new perspective by @sovacool.bsky.social, @aysekivilcim.bsky.social, and Can Hankendi calls for transparency from data centers to guide a more #sustainable future:
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Register now for the Center for Information and Systems Engineering (CISE)'s 11/14 Fall Workshop: A Roadmap for Intelligence and Resilience in Power Grids. Featured speakers include IGS Director @sovacool.bsky.social ⚡
Save your spot: www.bu.edu/cise/a-roadm...
Save your spot: www.bu.edu/cise/a-roadm...
CISE Fall Workshop: A Roadmap for Intelligence and Resilience in Power Grids | Center for Information & Systems Engineering
www.bu.edu
October 24, 2025 at 3:11 PM
Register now for the Center for Information and Systems Engineering (CISE)'s 11/14 Fall Workshop: A Roadmap for Intelligence and Resilience in Power Grids. Featured speakers include IGS Director @sovacool.bsky.social ⚡
Save your spot: www.bu.edu/cise/a-roadm...
Save your spot: www.bu.edu/cise/a-roadm...
More than 90% of passenger vehicles are powered by gasoline or diesel fuel. 🚗💨 #DYK most government tax policies favor the consumption of diesel fuel over gasoline fuel? @cutlercleveland.bsky.social explains why:
visualizingenergy.org/what-is-the-... #FossilFuels #GreenhouseGas
visualizingenergy.org/what-is-the-... #FossilFuels #GreenhouseGas
What is the 'diesel discount' and does it matter?
Road transport relies heavily on gasoline and diesel, influenced by government policies that often favor diesel for its efficiency. However, diesel produces more pollution, and the tax revenues it gen...
visualizingenergy.org
October 23, 2025 at 8:51 PM
More than 90% of passenger vehicles are powered by gasoline or diesel fuel. 🚗💨 #DYK most government tax policies favor the consumption of diesel fuel over gasoline fuel? @cutlercleveland.bsky.social explains why:
visualizingenergy.org/what-is-the-... #FossilFuels #GreenhouseGas
visualizingenergy.org/what-is-the-... #FossilFuels #GreenhouseGas