Events

Randi Rotjan , Associate Professor of Biology , Tufts University | Protecting Global Oceans in the Anthropocene

Abstract: The oceans are 71% of our planet, and yet are still largely unexplored, especially in the deep and open oceans. New species are discovered on almost every deep-sea dive, and even with increased exploration efforts, we are still discovering massive underwater mountains, canyons, and other features. Yet, even with so much unknown, decisions cannot wait for discovery. In an era of global change, biological communities in even the most remote parts of our planet are feeling the impact of human societies and are vulnerable to depletion or extinction. To combat this, global targets for protection have set a goal of protecting 30% of oceans by 2030. This seminar will unpack the science behind large scale marine conservation, and discuss how to explore the unexplored, and how to protect the unprotected.

Friday 9/18 12pm-1pm - Introductory Presentation
Saturday 9/19 9am-5:30pm - GLG Workshop & Reception

The Global to Local to Global (GLG) Climate Mitigation Project, in collaboration with Esri, has initiated an innovative workflow to address climate change mitigation through a structured framework designed to implement global-to-local-to-global projects. The GLG strategy creates a scalable geodesign workflow compatible across global, Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and diverse jurisdictions and geographic scales directed to projected environmental changes by 2050. It utilizes climate science and optimization designs to inform national to local designs– which, in turn, informs national and global policy, as local implementation is vital for building climate resilience.

Geodesign - design at geographic scale - provides a collaborative approach that integrates multiple disciplines and uses geographical information systems (GIS)-based analytic and design tools to help explore alternative future scenarios in response to stated problems. In this workshop, participants will work in groups to simulate commitments to climate mitigation projects at the regional or local scale, in consultation with national NDCs, climate, land use, land cover, and bio-regional data and their projections to 2050. Their selections will be used to quickly generate a global geospatial model of climate-driven scenarios resulting from combined mitigation actions, to which groups will be asked to respond to how global and national outcomes may inform future design conditions.

This in-person workshop is open to all from Harvard/MIT and participants from the broader academic community. No prior knowledge of GIS is required.

As temperatures soar and geopolitics roil, leaders and experts will head to Climate Week NYC with pressing questions about pathways to climate action and resilience. Join Harvard's Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability on Tuesday, September 22, for an afternoon of sessions focused on two core climate challenges: decarbonizing economies and confronting extreme heat. Stay and connect with Harvard alumni, researchers, practitioners, and leaders at an evening reception co-sponsored by Harvard Alumni for Climate and the Environment.

Registration is required.

Bring your office and school supplies, books, small household items, & clothes, if you have extra to share. Pick up something new-to-you for FREE, plus make friends, and help build a sustainability-minded community!

Note: We do not accept large items such as furniture. All items must be clean and in good, reusable/working condition. Bring a box or bags to take home your goodies. Leftover items will be donated. HUID required for building entry.

Questions? Contact susan_bottino@harvard.edu

Join us to connect and build a sustainability-minded community. We'll be gathering to paint garden rocks while we discuss sustainability topics. HUID required for building entrance.

Please RSVP to susan_bottino@harvard.edu

Climate warming is causing wildfire activity to increase in boreal forests and arctic tundra of the Far North. Fires are burning more deeply into thick organic soils and destabilizing permafrost, releasing carbon to the atmosphere that has been stored for centuries to millennia. At a global scale, these wildfires are impacting people through production of smoke and the release of greenhouse gasses that contribute to climate warming. At a local scale, increasing wildfire activity is creating new risks and vulnerabilities for local people that depend upon these ecosystems for their wellbeing. In this talk, Dr. Mack will discuss the ecological mechanisms that drive this positive feedback between wildfire and climate warming. She will explore how ecosystems and local human communities in Alaska are responding to increasing wildfire, and how we can employ emerging ideas in forest and fire management to reduce fire activity and promote human wellbeing.

Dr. Mack will present two public lectures as part of Harvard’s annual Charles Bullard Lecture Series— in Cambridge on the evening of October 8, and in Petersham (and on Zoom) on the morning of October 9.

Join us at our community Freecycle in the Smith Campus Center!

Drop off reusable goods you no longer need, and browse an excellent selection of items brought by others. Popular items include books, clothes, and household goods. Only donate items in clean and working condition.

Everyone is welcome, and no donation is necessary to shop!

Join us at our community Freecycle at the Science and Engineering Complex!

Drop off reusable goods you no longer need, and browse an excellent selection of items brought by others. Popular items include books, clothes, and household goods. Only donate items in clean and working condition.

Everyone is welcome, and no donation is necessary to shop!

Did you know that the Weld Hill Research Building at the Arboretum has the largest geothermal heating system at Harvard? There are 88 wells hidden under the namesake hill which help heat and cool the state-of-the-art research building. Join Head of Operations and Project Management Danny Schissler for a behind-the-scenes look at this fascinating system.

This tour will be a mix of indoors and outdoors.

Are you a Harvard or MIT student or alumni interested in a career in climate and sustainability? Or an employer interested in reaching Harvard University and MIT students with career opportunities? The Salata Institute Climate and Sustainability Career Expo is a collaborative effort across Harvard schools and MIT to connect organizations focused on climate, sustainability, and the environment with Harvard undergraduates, graduate students, and alumni. Join us for the next expo on Friday, November 20, 2026 from 1:00 – 4:30pm.