Energy transition could be headed for ‘valley of death,’ says report
Investments in oil and gas have decreased in favor of alternative energy in recent years, but with alternative energy technologies still able to supply only a small fraction of useable energy, rushing the transition would be a costly mistake, according to a new report from Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy.
Air bubbles in Antarctic ice point to cause of oxygen decline
An unknown culprit has been removing oxygen from our atmosphere for at least 800,000 years, and an analysis of air bubbles preserved in Antarctic ice for up to 1.5 million years has revealed the likely suspect.
Rice’s Technology Development Fund backs faculty projects
Nine projects proposed by Rice researchers have been granted seed funding by Creative Ventures' Technology Development Fund.
Former glacier inspires orchestral work
Okjökull first made international headlines when Rice anthropologists organized the first memorial service for a glacier lost to climate change.
Renewable energy will increase security and lower geopolitical risk, study shows
The transition to renewable energy will make the U.S. energy supply significantly more secure not only by decreasing the mining and materials required to build fossil fuel systems, but also by avoiding the political risks that threaten fossil fuel supply chains, according to new research from Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy.
Sylvia Dee wins fellowship to launch Gulf of Mexico study
Sylvia Dee, an assistant professor of Earth, environmental and planetary sciences, wins an early-career fellowship to pursue Gulf of Mexico research.
Amitav Ghosh on the dangerous delusions that created our climate crisis
The renowned novelist explored the global legacy of colonial attitudes and aggression during the two-night Campbell Lecture Series.
Crop-eating moths will flourish as climate warms
Climate change in this century will allow one of the world's costliest agricultural pests, the diamondback moth, to both thrive year-round and rapidly evolve resistance to pesticides in large parts of the United States, Europe and China where it previously died each winter, according to a study by U.S. and Chinese researchers.
Climate progress requires competition, not cooperation, with China
HOUSTON – (Sept. 8, 2021) – Global climate progress requires fundamentally altering the economic bottom line that’s the foundation of the Chinese Communist Party’s power– and it will come through competition, not cooperation, according to experts at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy and the U.S. Naval War College.
Nature’s archive reveals Atlantic tempests through time
Rice scientists uncover how natural archives can record Atlantic hurricane frequency over the past 1,000 years. SUMMARY: Rice University scientists uncover how natural archives can record Atlantic hurricane frequency over the past 1,000 years. More data is needed to help model how climate change will affect storms in the future.
Amitav Ghosh tackles the 'unthinkable' in 2021 Campbell Lecture Series on climate change
The global thinker offers parables for a planet in crisis Sep. 13 and 14. during an event that's free and open to the public.
Rice expert: Using carbon is key to decarbonizing economy
Rice University carbon materials expert Matteo Pasquali is available to discuss ways to slash carbon dioxide emissions and rapidly decarbonize the global economy.
Iran’s water crisis is a warning for the US
HOUSTON – (Aug. 3, 2021) – Iran’s groundwater depletion and food security crisis is an issue of global importance reflecting not only climate change, but also a pattern of policy mismanagement, according to an expert from Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy.
Timothy Morton on giving up flight — at least when it comes to lectures
The environmental philosopher wants to model a new work-life balance that sends a message of care.
New Houston innovation district to foster climate tech startups
The Ion, the centerpiece of a Houston innovation district developed by Rice University, has a new neighbor: Greentown Labs, a community of startups taking on climate change.
