Stanford Earth Matters covers insights, discoveries and solutions from the organizations forming the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability.
Featured
Solutions
Watch Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment's series of discussions about policy, energy, and environmental challenges.
Perspectives
Read commentary and opinions on sustainability, Earth, and environmental science from Stanford experts.
Books
Discover books that can spark curiosity about our planet and conversations about the ways we live, think, and learn.
Capturing high pressures in diamond capsules
Scientists have created diamond capsules that can entrap other phases and preserve high pressure conditions even after returning the capsules to low pressure. The technique mimics the process in nature where diamonds can have inclusions that are only stable at high pressure.
Bioindicators for monitoring plastic pollution in the North Pacific Ocean
Key marine species can serve as bioindicators to measure how much plastic exists in different ocean regions. (Source: Stanford News)
Deep-dive into the science of batteries
Stanford researchers are working to understand battery degradation, reveal the true toll of their production and disposal, and make next-generation batteries better. (Source: Stanford News)
Four questions for Paul Segall on the Iceland volcano
Stanford geophysicist Paul Segall discusses the Fagradalsfjall volcano currently erupting 20 miles southwest of Reykjavík, Iceland. (Source: Stanford News)
New 'lab on a chip' may accelerate carbon storage efforts
A tiny new device allows scientists to directly observe and quantify how rocks change in the presence of acids, enabling more accurate assessments of sites for underground storage of carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and industrial waste.
Four questions for Eric Lambin on the sand shortage
The Stanford geographer and environmental scientist discusses the sand shortage crisis and what it means for the future of the environment. (Source: Stanford News)
Extreme heat's impact on labor
Few regulations exist to protect laborers from increasingly frequent extreme heat events. Stanford experts explain extreme heat’s impacts on workplace risks, marginalized communities, and the economy. (Source: Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment)
Replacing the 'take-make-waste' model with sustainable supply chains
The switch to a circular economy could protect the environment while helping companies generate more value. (Source: Stanford Graduate School of Business)
Geological activity can rapidly change deep microbial communities
New research reveals that, rather than being influenced only by environmental conditions, deep subsurface microbial communities can transform because of geological movements. The findings advance our understanding of subsurface microorganisms, which comprise up to half of all living material on the planet.
U.S. isn’t ready for the next wildfire smoke wave. Here’s what needs to change
Most government policies for mitigating public health risks from wildfire smoke aim to educate citizens to protect themselves by staying indoors, closing windows, and using air filters. Stanford research shows why that approach fails for Americans across all income groups and points to solutions.
An AI solution to climate models’ gravity wave problem
Stanford scientists are among a growing number of researchers harnessing artificial intelligence techniques to bring more realistic representations of ubiquitous atmospheric ripples into global climate models
Stanford’s Deborah Sivas on Supreme Court’s decision to limit EPA’s powers to fight climate change
Stanford law Professor and environmental law expert Deborah Sivas explains the key points of the SCOTUS decision to reduce the regulatory power of the EPA and discusses the implications for climate change. (Source: Stanford Law School)
Four questions for Liz Hadly
The Stanford environmental biologist and global change specialist discusses recent flooding in Yellowstone National Park – and what it means for the future of the planet. (Source: Stanford News)
New optical device could help solar arrays focus light, even under clouds
Researchers imagined, designed, and tested an elegant lens device that can efficiently gather light from all angles and concentrate it at a fixed output position. (Source: Stanford Engineering)
A day in the life of an electricity and cool cow engineer
Gustavo Cezar wears two colorful hats as an engineer with SLAC’s GISMo lab. (Source: SLAC)
Summer reading: Inspiring curiosity and critical thinking about sustainability
Faculty and scholars associated with the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability recommend these 26 books for your summer reading.
New model offers potential solutions for next-generation battery challenges
A new mathematical model has brought together the physics and chemistry of highly promising lithium-metal batteries, providing researchers with plausible, fresh solutions to a problem known to cause degradation and failure.
Climate change and air pollution impacts on children’s health
Children are more likely than adults to suffer health impacts due to environmental impacts. Kari Nadeau of Stanford’s Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy & Asthma Research discusses related risks, as well as what caregivers and health care workers can do about them.