MIT Environmental Solutions Initiative

How can we protect one of the world’s most biodiverse regions, the Chocó Biogeographic? Angélica Mayolo Obregón, who is an MLK Research Fellow and visiting scholar with the MIT ESI, will be presenting the research she's done in the Chocó Biogeographic this Thursday, November 21 from 12:00-1:00 pm EST. The talk — titled "Biogeographic Chocó: Delimitation and Transboundary Strategies for Biodiversity Conservation, Climate Action, and Sustainable Development" — will highlight the importance of the Biogeographic Chocó Region, discuss the main threats to its biodiversity, and explain the multiscale actions needed to address them, from transnational efforts to local actions, showcasing the role of local communities in conserving this ecosystem. Register now to attend the event virtually or in person: https://lnkd.in/eQNQqjfA

Are you an MIT undergraduate student who is looking to make an impact on the planet while also deepening your studies? The environment and sustainability (E&S) minor, housed in the MIT Environmental Solutions Initiative, offers a flexible, interdisciplinary approach that complements any major. Swipe for a simple guide on how to add this minor to your academic journey!?? Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. To apply, check out the form here: https://lnkd.in/e9tAETHU #SustainabilityEducation #ClimateEducation #FutureLeaders

?? Fellowship opportunity! ?? Applications for the 2025-2026 cohort of MIT Martin Family Society of Fellows for Sustainability are now open. A nominee for the Martin Fellowship should be working in the environment and sustainability as indicated by their statement of interest, subjects taken, and proposed research area. This Fellowship: ?? Supports 10 PhD students across a range of disciplines, prioritizing representation from each of MIT’s five schools; ?? Awards two semesters of full funding (tuition and a stipend); and ?? Requires the support of a nominating MIT faculty member to provide an appraisal of the student’s qualifications and capabilities. Visit the Martin Fellows' website for more information on how to apply. Applications close on February 5, 2025. #EnvironmentalResearch #Fellowship #MITSustainability

Join us for a night of "Junk" on November 14! Co-hosted by the MIT Museum and Office of Sustainability,?"Junk"?is the November offering of the museum’s popular?After Dark?series. The event celebrates the art and science of junk, featuring Reynaliz Herrera's bicycle rock band Ideas, Not Theories; entrepreneurs creating fashion and design from chopsticks and banana crop waste; and a talk from Peter Mui from Fixit Clinic on designing in durability and mingle with local “Fixit Coaches” in the galleries. Register: https://lnkd.in/ekTJMAEh

Please join us for our upcoming Zoom panel on Funding Climate, Energy & Sustainability Ventures This event is for first time and aspiring entrepreneurs in the climate, energy, and sustainability sectors. This session will offer funder perspectives and advice on planning your full capital stack across the venture lifecycle and sources of this capital – from pre-seed non-dilutive grants, through angel and single fund investments, into later stage institutional venture capital funding, strategic investors, and potentially growth stage debt vehicles. The panel will be moderated by VMS mentor Adam Wallen and will feature Roman Lubynsky (Executive Director at MIT I-Corps), Brenda Haendler from Breakthrough Energy , Benjamin Heywood from SkyRiver Ventures + ven^x, and John Ho from Anzu Partners + ven^x Co-hosted by MIT Environmental Solutions Initiative and @MIT I-Corps Register: bit.ly/48hXRrk

Passionate about climate change education? The MIT Environmental Solutions Initiative (ESI) is hiring an Education/Academic Program Coordinator -- you'll work with the talented and passionate Education Director to expand and deepen environmental education at #MIT. I highly recommend the team behind this program! Massachusetts Institute of Technology, #climatecareers, #climatejobs https://lnkd.in/eMqPCQd8

Why do some communities face unequal exposure to air pollution, contaminated water, and natural disasters? How can science & technology be used to tackle these challenges? Explore these questions and more with "Environmental Justice, Science and Technology" a NEW online course from the MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning. Starts October 22! Learn more and enroll at https://bit.ly/47UTL85 #ClimateJustice #EnvironmentalJustice #ClimateAction #OnlineCourses #OnlineLearning

At Climate Week NYC, The Rockefeller Foundation brought together 16 Fellows demonstrating a “big bet mindset,” or the belief that it is possible to use large-scale solutions to address climate change. Here, research program director Marcela Angel Lalinde highlighted the MIT ESI’s big bet to create participatory monitoring systems that increase community resilience against predictable climate risks, such as landslides, in Mocoa, Colombia. "Ultimately, my goal as an urban planner and researcher is to transform data into knowledge and action," Angel wrote after the event. "By harnessing technological advancements alongside community-based planning, we aim to bolster resilience against predictable climate risks, ensuring that communities like Mocoa are equipped to thrive in the face of adversity." This project was created in partnership with MIT's Department of Urban Studies and Planning, MIT Lincoln Laboratory, Pratt Institute’s Graduate Center for Planning and the Environment, the Colombian Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, Corpoamazonia, Global Environment Facility, CAF -banco de desarrollo de América Latina y el Caribe-, AirWorks, community-based groups (including representatives from indigenous and Afro-descendant communities, community oversight groups, youth, and victims of the landslide), and others who would not have a sit at the table without the spaces created by the project.

How have science and technology historically caused harm to communities disproportionately affected by air pollution, contaminated water, and climate change disasters? Anyone — from students to growing professionals — can learn about the environmental justice movement, its history, and how science and technology can be used to tackle environmental challenges and injustice in the MITx Courses 11.068x: Environmental Justice, Science, and Technology. This boot-camp-style course, which starts on Tuesday, October 22: ?? Utilizes a mix of readings, lectures, and interactive workshops ?? Features lectures from Justin Steil (Associate Professor of Law and Urban Planning, MIT School of Architecture and Planning (MIT SAP)), Chris Rabe (The ESI Education Program Director), and Ufuoma Ovienmhada (Postdoctoral Scholar, University of Arizona, School of Geography, Development, and Environment) ?? Includes presentations from community organizations including HEET (Home Energy Efficiency Team), Earth Hacks, and GreenRoots, Inc. If you're interested in environmental justice, civil rights, or climate activism, sign up for this free instructor-paced online course from the MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning (MIT School of Architecture and Planning (MIT SAP)). There is a certificate track available for purchase. Enroll now to save your seat in the class!

Panelists at last week's seminar, Governing Critical Raw Materials and the Energy Transition, agreed that the energy transition seems to be moving faster than the governance frameworks for the critical raw materials essential to it. Key takeaways from Susan Park, University of Sydney; Weinthal Erika, Duke University; Hyeyoon Park, University of Stirling; Scott Odell, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Rasmus Klocker Larsen, SEI, include: ? Lack of regulation: Most regulatory measures are voluntary, allowing corporations to choose what they are held accountable for. Fragmentation in governance tools is also an issue—for instance, it's unclear how the European Critical Raw Materials Act aligns with directives like the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence. ? Gaps in water governance and Indigenous rights: In Sweden, Sámi concerns are often disregarded in green transition projects. Negotiated agreements with developers are becoming a key governance tool but often lead to negative impacts on local communities. ?? Sustainable mining requires community engagement: Meaningful relationships with local communities and addressing concerns holistically, rather than just responding to influential voices, are essential for sustainable mining practices. ?? Rethink energy systems: The green transition presents an opportunity to not only make mining more sustainable but also rethink our energy systems, adopt circular economy practices, and reduce overall energy demand. cc Stockholm University #CriticalMinerals #GreenTransition #IndigenousRights