Climate

Climate variability and change present some of the greatest challenges in human history. Solutions must incorporate increased energy efficiency, alternative energy technologies, low-impact infrastructure, clearer assessment of risks, and improved understanding of what motivates people to accept change and adopt alternate behaviors.

To address this challenge, the University of Michigan is developing solutions for mitigating climate change and adapting to it in ways that minimize adverse impacts on human and ecosystem health.

Critical components of U-M's Climate research theme include:

• Energy Technology – Developing technologies and market-ready innovations to advance renewable energy generation, dramatically improve storage capacity, and transform the energy-distribution infrastructure.

• Risk and Response – Better characterizing climate risks and uncertainties in decision-relevant terms, evaluating the effectiveness of management and policy options, understanding barriers to action, and developing new methods and tools for helping decision-makers manage risks and uncertainties.

• Capacity Building and Behavior Change – Working collaboratively with stakeholders to co-create location-specific strategies for adapting to climate change, co-developing innovative decision-support tools, and altering undesirable behaviors through community-based education and engagement programs.