Spending time in nature is good for us. Studies have shown that contact with nature can lift our well-being by affecting emotions, influencing thoughts, reducing stress and improving physical health. A new paper led by Dr. Gregory Bratman, director of EarthLab member organization Nature and Health, outlines ways to expand research into how odors and scents from natural settings impact our health and well-being.
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We are reimagining how academia can respond to the climate crisis. Our visionary approach connects the University of Washington’s world-class research capabilities with communities from around the world to create novel, equitable and scalable climate change solutions.
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Ben Packard leads EarthLab’s efforts to connect UW resources to community action addressing the threats — and inequities — of climate change
Identifying the root cause of the climate crisis is simple enough. Finding solutions? Not so simple. It requires enormous creativity, commitment and collaboration, often among traditional antagonists in the public, private and nonprofit sectors.
To foster these ad hoc collaborations, there is UW EarthLab, a transdisciplinary institute within the College of the Environment that is connecting the diverse research expertise and student energy of the University of Washington to community-driven initiatives mitigating the effects of and building resilience to climate change—with a focus on climate justice.
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Center for Health and the Global Environment
The Center for Health and the Global Environment is a growing community of practitioners and students that believes health considerations should be at the forefront of efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to prepare for and respond to climate change impacts.
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Climate Impacts Group
The Climate Impacts Group is widely recognized for scientific discovery, as an experienced creator of impartial & actionable science and as a catalyst for building regional climate resilience.
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Doris Duke Conservation Scholars
The Doris Duke Conservation Scholars are a diverse, committed, and creative community from around the country that centers equity and justice in nature conservation.
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Future Rivers
Future Rivers is a National Science Foundation Research Traineeship for graduate students focused on scientifically innovative, culturally relevant, transdisciplinary approaches to freshwater ecosystem sustainability.
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Nature and Health
Nature and Health seeks to understand the connections between nature and human health and well-being and to translate that understanding into programs, practices, and policies that benefit all people and nature.
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Nippon Foundation Ocean Nexus Center
The Nippon Foundation Ocean Nexus Center is a global program based in EarthLab that aims to transform ocean governance so the oceans benefit everyone, equitably.
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Northwest Climate Adaptation Science Center
The Northwest Climate Adaptation Science Center is a federal-university partnership that produces relevant and accessible science on climate change impacts and adaptation actions for Northwest natural resource managers and policy makers.
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Washington Ocean Acidification Center
The Washington Ocean Acidification Center serves Washington state by leading priority areas of ocean acidification research.
Washington Ocean Acidification Center