Solutions and Adaptations

The climate crisis is inextricably linked to human dependence on fossil fuels. Penn Arts and Sciences faculty, in collaboration with colleagues in Engineering, are working to find the path to sustainable energy solutions. In the biological sciences, researchers are finding ways to support plant and species resilience as climate changes pose threats to food security.

Highlights

Close up of small plants growing in seedling planters, lined up in rows.

Plant ARC

As climate change reshapes the world in which we live, human health, food security, infrastructure, and wild ecosystems are all under threat. Increased plant adaptability and resilience is key to the health of our natural systems. The Penn Plant Adaptability and Resilience Center—Plant ARC—will leverage fundamental research to advance plant adaptability and resilience.

computer rendering of the VLEST laboratory building.

VLEST

The School of Arts and Sciences, in partnership with Engineering, will soon open the doors to the Vagelos Laboratory for Energy Science and Technology, a state-of-the art research facility. The building is a central element of the School’s strategic plan and the University’s commitment to addressing the climate crisis.

VIEST

The Vagelos Institute for Energy Science and Technology, a collaboration between Penn Arts & Sciences and Penn’s School of Engineering and Applied Science, fosters integrative basic research aimed at meeting the world’s present and future energy needs.

Spotlight: People

Marsha Lester

Christopher H. Browne Distinguished Professorship in the School of Arts and Sciences

Thomas Mallouk

Vagelos Professor in Energy Research; Professor of Chemistry

Andrew Rappe

Blanchard Professor of Chemistry; Professor of Materials Science and Engineering

Bo Zhen

Associate Professor of Physics & Astronomy

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