Introducing the Stanford Ecopreneurship Podcast, a new series that highlights how university research moves beyond the lab to shape real-world impact. In the first episode, a materials scientist and startup co-founder discuss batteries, AI, and entrepreneurship. bit.ly/496OmxE

According to new research, shark species with specialized traits are at most risk of extinction. But if threats like overfishing are addressed, scientists say the trend toward extinction could still likely be reversed.

A new analysis shows how having more power lines buried underground could help shorten blackouts tied to extreme weather. Explore the data: stanford.io/3WOWqvH

“I’m most excited to decipher the key drivers behind the emerging dominance of China in clean energy industries during the last decade. We’re working to understand how lessons from China’s experience may inform the energy transition process in other countries.” Meet new professor Shanjun Li:

“Quite remarkable”: By solving the famous Poisson statistical model, new research could enable the design of better, stronger, cheaper materials.

At a recent event at Stanford, two energy leaders described an often overlooked step that organizations can take to reduce their environmental impact: improving energy efficiency. @stanfordenergy.bsky.social

A Stanford law clinic’s case for the Pit River Tribe has culminated in the designation of Sáttítla Highlands as a national monument, reflecting decades of commitment from tribal members, advocates, and scholars. stanford.io/46Q19TF @law.stanford.edu

“We need to think about how we take our solutions to the world and how we do that fast.” –Scott Fendorf, professor of Earth system science, on turning research into real-world solutions Read about carbon removal company Terradot, which grew out of work between Fendorf and a Stanford undergrad:

How does climate change impact human migration? What efforts can reduce climate vulnerability? Explore insights based on research from Hélène Benveniste, assistant professor of environmental social sciences: stanford.io/4h5ulJS

Congratulations to William Tarpeh, assistant professor of chemical engineering and of civil and environmental engineering, who has been recognized as a 2025 MacArthur Fellow 🌟

A few highlights from our scholars at #ClimateWeekNYC: 🚀 Sharing about the Climate Tech Atlas, a new resource developed with Breakthrough Energy + other collaborators 🌎 Discussing climate innovation and food security research opportunities 🎤 Showcasing expertise at the Sustainability Accelerator

Over 100 planetary scientists from around the Bay Area recently gathered at Stanford to connect and discuss their research. Highlights: 📸 Laura Schaefer and Michelle Hill

Paula Welander, a microbiologist and professor at the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability, joined @scifri.bsky.social last week to talk about how studying ancient evidence of tiny organisms can help us understand the origins of life on Earth. ⬇️ bit.ly/480aDg1

“I’m doing something that’s merging geology and geochemistry with spacecraft. This is something I’ve been interested in since I was a kid. A lot of people in my field are obsessed with aliens, but I always was obsessed with rocks and planetary bodies.” Meet Eva L. Scheller, new assistant professor:

Learn about the Climate Tech Atlas (climatetechatlas.com), a new, free-to-use platform to identify opportunities for building a clean, affordable, and energy-abundant future.

In a record-breaking discovery, scientists found that algae living in the Arctic ice are active in -15 C – the lowest-temperature movement ever recorded in complex, living cells. Studying their activity could help us better understand the ecology of the Arctic.

A new study shows that companies disclose little about their impacts on the ocean. Identifying these gaps could help improve corporate reporting in the future. stanford.io/4mSxyOX

A new study explains how extreme weather can push some groups to move across borders while trapping many others in place. When weather-related disasters strike, age and education strongly shape who migrates, the analysis shows.

Using a new tool, researchers were able to detect thousands of previously unseen earthquakes in a volcanic area in Italy. Their approach could be adapted to improve understanding of earthquake risk in other areas with seismic monitoring systems. Read about the study: stanford.io/3JPrIPO

Solomon Hsiang, a professor of environmental social sciences, applies data science methods to reveal the long-term economic and health impacts of extreme weather events and inform decisions about how to mitigate them. Here are four essential facts from his research.

Findings from a recent study could upend the conventional view of how rivers have shaped continents over time. It’s “a significant revision to our understanding of the history of the Earth,” said lead author Michael Hasson. @marslogander.bsky.social

With support from the Sustainability Accelerator at the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability, researchers have shown that, compared to green peas, a variety of black peas with a 3,000-year legacy in the Trans-Himalayas is more nutritious and climate resilient.

“We developed ways of finding corals that are going to survive the next heat wave. And started using them to rebuild reefs.” Read about the impact of research by @spalumbi.bsky.social, professor of oceans:

💡 According to a new study, installing solar panels with battery storage could reduce electricity costs and help manage power outages for the majority of U.S. households. Researchers emphasize the need for equitable access to these solar-battery benefits. @stanfordenergy.bsky.social

Beaver dams create ponds that foster biodiversity, improve water quality, and even limit the spread of wildfires. Here’s how researchers are helping watershed managers understand the best areas to support beaver populations and restore wetlands: stanford.io/3HvTHD2

The Blue Food Assessment Indonesia highlights the potential of aquatic food sources to improve nutrition, food security, and livelihoods across the country. Launched last week, it's the first assessment of its kind at the national level. See contributions from @oceansolutions.stanford.edu scholars ⬇️

Nature as a mental health solution 🌳 A new study from @natcapproject.bsky.social, part of the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability, shows that spending even a little time in nature can provide significant mental health benefits in urban settings.

Tiny fragments of plastic that fail to break down have pervaded our water, food, ecosystems, and the human body. Stanford researchers working to measure and reduce plastic waste discuss the impacts of plastic pollution and what can be done:

🏖️ Beneath sandy beaches, tiny organisms maintain coastal water quality and safeguard ocean health. Understanding and preserving these microbial communities may be critical for coastal resilience and the mitigation of climate impacts. Here’s what the research says:

“In Earth science, you have to put together a lot of different things. You have to know a little bit of math, physics, chemistry. That's one thing I really like about Earth science, and that's the reason why I keep on doing what I do.” Meet Ettore Biondi, new assistant professor of geophysics:

Read about the impact of global climate change on agriculture and food security in a Q&A with David Lobell, professor of Earth system science ⬇️

Cement production is one of the largest industrial contributors to global warming. Tiziana Vanorio, associate professor of Earth and planetary sciences, is reinventing cement with a radically lower carbon footprint – inspired by volcanic chemistry. Here’s how: stanford.io/4o41BUy

Spanning topics in biology, agriculture, electricity, industry, and water, 41 new projects will receive support from the Sustainability Accelerator at @stanforddoerr.bsky.social to translate research into impact and address real-world sustainability challenges.

“The community impact work and the research go hand in hand and shape one another.” Earth Systems Program lecturer Sibyl Diver describes the importance of building lasting relationships to support & learn from communities, and how this approach to research can lead to positive societal impacts.

Seagrass ecosystems, gender equity in fisheries and aquaculture, and more: Here are four new projects supported by the Oceans Department & @woods.stanford.edu at the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability advancing ocean health and sustainability.

@marshallburke.bsky.social, an associate professor of environmental social sciences, works to quantify how wildfire smoke affects air quality and public health, using data-driven analysis to inform potential solutions. Here are five essential facts based on Burke’s research:

An English professor and an oceans professor have teamed up to explore the human relationship with the oceans, often overlooked in ocean studies. They envision an interdisciplinary curriculum that incorporates science & technology with literature, history, geography, philosophy, and the arts.

Follow along with PhD student Jessica Bullington on a research cruise off the coast of San Francisco, part of an effort to study microorganisms in the deep sea led by @annedekas.bsky.social ⬇️

🌟 Congratulations to Rob Jackson, professor of Earth system science, who has received the 2025 Blue Planet Prize. One of the world’s leading environmental awards, the Prize recognizes significant work advancing solutions to pressing environmental problems. Read about Jackson’s work: bit.ly/4eD4JCF

Prescribed burns are controlled, low-intensity fires, often seen as a promising tool to reduce wildfire impacts. A new study now quantifies their effectiveness, showing that areas treated with prescribed fire can burn less severely and produce significantly less smoke.

Student spotlight: Plengrhambhai “Pleng” Snidvongs Kruesopon 🪸 An avid diver from Bangkok, Thailand and the founder of Care for Coral, Pleng is passionate about the many forms of environmental stewardship, from teaching and research to political leadership and community engagement. Read her story:

Changes in the abundance of living things over geological time have never been calculated – until now. In a first-of-its-kind study, scientists document changes in the total mass of marine organisms over the past half-billion years.

Populations of “apex scavengers” like vultures and hyenas are in decline. Addressing habitat loss, poaching, and other threats is critical not only for functioning ecosystems, but also for global health, researchers say. Here’s why:

Earlier this month, scientists, policymakers, and advocates gathered for the One Ocean Science Congress and the 2025 U.N. Ocean Conference. Here are a few key takeaways from Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability scholars who participated in the events ⬇️ @oceansolutions.stanford.edu

For your summer reading 📚 Find books on plant intelligence, climate politics, the rights of nature, and more – recommended by scholars at the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability.

In a recent study, Americans readily committed to personal lifestyle changes that have a high impact on reducing carbon emissions when they were given information about what’s most effective. These interventions must be paired w/ strategies that also support collective climate action, experts said.

Join us in welcoming @francesarnold.bsky.social to the @stanforddoerr.bsky.social Advisory Council. As the @caltech.edu Linus Pauling Professor and a Nobel Laureate in Chemistry, she will make important contributions to the school’s bold ambition of building a more sustainable future for all.

Improving water security & restoring ecosystems at the same time: A new water market model could address water shortages and help threatened fish species in the Colorado River basin, which supplies water to 40 million people across seven U.S. states, 30 tribal nations, and parts of Mexico.

At a recent event, Lisa P. Jackson shared insights from her experience leading environment, policy, and social initiatives at Apple and as the former head of the Environmental Protection Agency. One key insight: to advance climate action, connect with others.

On the 50th anniversary of “Jaws,” Professor @spalumbi.bsky.social highlights what we’ve learned about sharks since the movie’s debut and reframes our perception of sharks as important ocean wildlife – not violent villains.