Global Environment/Energy and Natural Resources

A clearer understanding of the environmental dynamics and impacts of human activity, as well as the effective use and management of global energy and environmental resources, are critically important to our present and future society. Although much of what we know about global change has been uncovered thanks to narrowly disciplinary research, challenges related to energy and the environment are complexly coupled in ways that span a formidable range of disciplinary perspectives and areas, from fundamental research to technology development to economic & legislative policy to differential social burdens and impacts. 

Thus, addressing climate change, agricultural and rural development, shrinking biodiversity, finite resources and urbanization require interdisciplinary research and approaches. Stony Brook can contribute solutions to real-world problems by recognizing potential synergies in traditionally distinct fields (for example, STEM, social sciences, humanities). While many separate research programs have made outstanding contributions to research on global change, environmental/energy challenges demand an especially robust bridging across natural/physical, technological, and social scientific disciplines for adequate solutions. 

Hence, we recommend leveraging increased cooperation and coordination across different efforts within the College of Arts and Sciences and Stony Brook community by developing enhanced avenues for communication and collaboration interconnecting traditionally distinct areas to deliver holistic solutions to global energy and environmental challenges. Potential synergies extend across the University and beyond the campus itself, both locally, on Long Island and in greater New York City, and across the globe.

Team