Conducts multidisciplinary research on development, testing, and evaluation of innovatiave technologies to enhance in situ biodegradation of organic contaminants in bedrock aquifiers
Sustainability & the Environment
Sustainability & the Environment
UNH research in sustainability and the environment is broad and far-reaching. A leader in the search for the causes of, and potential responses to, climate change, UNH research is at the forefront of the efforts to define new personal, local community, governmental and global activities and policies for protecting and sustaining the Earth and its inhabitants.
Sustainability science addresses the practical challenges of how to achieve sustainability: meeting the needs of today’s society without compromising the abilities of future generations to meet their needs. It involves studying the nature of interactions between humans and their environments - between natural and human systems. It encompasses biodiversity, food, culture, and climate. Thus, it requires a multidisciplinary approach, involving researchers from the social sciences, humanities, physical and biological sciences, engineering, and health and human services.
‘Environment’ encompasses the components and complex natural systems of land, sea and atmosphere, the geology and history of the Earth, and the mysteries of volcanoes and the ocean floor. Studies of wildlife, conservation practices, and natural resources shed light on the Earth biological systems. Sophisticated observational and modeling tools are used to increase our understanding the fundamental properties of the atmosphere and how they have been affected by human activities. Ongoing research in spill containment and remediation has resulted in new techniques and technologies for coping with oil spills and other environmental crises. Studies of the polar ice, the ocean floor, and the explosive activity of volcanoes yield insights into what the Earth was like in the past, describe its present state, and provide tools for predicting what it will be like in the future.
To learn more, explore the departments, programs, Institutes, and Centers listed below.
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Colleges & Schools
Research Institutes & Centers
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Conducts policy research on vulnerable children, youth, and families and on sustainable community development; provides policy makers and practitioners with the timely, independent resources they need to effect change in their communities
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Center for Clean and Renewable Energy Research
Provides organizational cohesion and enhances public recognition of the role of chemical engineering in the area of alternative/renewable energy research -
Supports research to promote effective and wise use of the coastal ocean and integrates UNH’s academic and research activities in ocean engineering
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Interdisciplinary center for research, development and evaluation for ocean renewable energy systems, training the next generation of engineers, scientists and policy makers for advancing this new industry, and providing innovation and commercialization support for commercial developers of “hydrokinetic” energy systems
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Involves individuals and institutions, public and private, at local, regional, national and international levels in identifying needs, evaluating and demonstrating promising technologies, and fostering their use as part of new, integrative approaches to response and restoration in coastal areas
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The Climate Change Research Center (CCRC) uses sophisticated observational systems and modeling tools to conduct research focused on understanding fundamental properties of the atmosphere and how they have been, and will continue to be, affected by human activities.
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Partnership between NOAA and UNH that stimulates innovation in spill preparedness, response, assessment, and implementation of optimum spill recovery strategies
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See: Earth Systems Research Center
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Partnership between UNH and NOAA that develops and applies tools to detect, prevent, and reverse the impacts of coastal pollution and habitat degradation on coastal ecosystems and communities
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The ESRC is dedicated to understanding the Earth as an integrative system, through study of Earth's ecosystems, atmosphere, water and ice in all corners of the globe. Using field measurements, remote sensing and mathematical models, ESRC research emphasizes basic science and the increasing role of humans as agents of environmental change.
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Conducts applied environmental science and engineering research in partnership with industry, communities, federal agencies, and international organizations on ares of importance to NH and New England communities, the private sector, and the nation
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A multidisciplinary scientific research institute dedicated to understanding the integrated behavior of the Earth and its surrounding universe
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Funds and supports Reserve-led research projects that bring scientists, intended users of the science, stakeholders, educators, and trainers together to address problems related to coastal pollution and habitat degradation in the context of a changing climate
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Addresses the advanced water treatment technology needs of small communities and firms that need reliable, affordable systems for drinking water
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Seeks to solve problems affecting agriculture, forestry, and the social and economic well-being of NH's people, the region and the nation by providing unbiased and objective research concerning diverse aspects of sustainable agriculture, aquaculture, forest management, and related wildlife and natural resources
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Provides support, leadership, and expertise for marine research, education and extension, including promoting understanding, development, wise use, and conservation of our ocean and coastal resources
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Focal point for research and information on water issues in the state and region, conducintg research, technology transfer, and education of new professionals
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Encourages and funds collaborative research and monitoring projects in the Gulf of Maine and Georges Bank through effective, equal partnerships among fishermen, scientists, educators, and marine resource managers to study broad range of topics including gear selectivity, fish habitat, stock assessments, and socioeconomics
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Conducts basic and applied research on marine ecosystems ranging from the near-shore western Gulf of Maine to the global ocean utilizing direct measurements, remote sensing, and modeling
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Part of the U.S. EPA's National Estuary Program, a joint local/state/federal program established under the Clean Water Act to promote the protection and enhancement of nationally significant estuarine resources
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This first interdisciplinary school at UNH integrates the university’s various marine-related research, teaching and outreach activities, drawing faculty from every college within the university.
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A leading authority on sustainability within higher education, the Sustainability Institute at UNH is a convener, cultivator, and champion of sustainability on campus, in the state and region, and around the world. It works closely with educators, students, policymakers, and researchers to bring learning in sustainability to life.
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Acts as a unique technical resource for stormwater practitioners by studying a range of issues for specific stormwater management strategies including design, water quality and quantity, cost, maintenance, and operations
Ways to Get Involved
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