ABOUT THE INSTITUTE

Balancing the risks of a changing climate with the essential need for human progress.

Our Approach

The low cost of fossil fuels makes them the default energy choice to power growth in many settings. Yet, failure to sharply reduce emissions from fossil fuels is causing disruptive climate change. The Institute addresses this challenge by combining frontier research with a pioneering approach to education, leading to a new and deeper understanding of the climate challenge as well as practical, effective solutions.

Institute Building Blocks

The Institute conducts cutting-edge research with real-world impact through initiatives in three main areas where the University of Chicago is uniquely positioned to lead.

Through EPIC, we're building on the University’s renowned history of economics to measure the costs of climate change and design the policies and market structures needed to balance the goals of decarbonization and economic growth.

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Through ETI, a partnership between the Institute and the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, we're developing new energy technologies that can replace fossil fuels and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions at scale.

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Through CSEi, we're developing the new field of Climate Systems Engineering to study the approaches and technologies that may be needed to manage the greenhouse gases already in the atmosphere.

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Cultivating a Climate Ecosystem

As the hub for climate and energy research for the University of Chicago charged with fostering a vibrant climate and energy ecosystem, the Institute seeds new initiatives and creates new programs to further bridge disciplinary divides and cultivate an intellectual community.

Global Approach

The University of Chicago stands out as a leader among academic institutions for establishing infrastructure and relationships across Asia, Europe and elsewhere to support research and education. The Institute will build on this foundation to drive impact in India, China, the United States, and other countries central to the global climate and growth challenge.

Curriculum on Climate and Sustainable Growth

Through a multidisciplinary educational program, the Institute prepares an entire generation of leaders, thinkers and entrepreneurs to see the climate challenge from its many angles and develop an understanding of what is required economically, technically, and politically to confront it.

Research to Impact

The Institute takes its ideas beyond the halls of academia to decision-makers who can use these ideas to inform policy-ready solutions and scale technologies. A dedicated team of professionals work with researchers to translate core findings and disseminate them to policymakers and opinion leaders, while direct partnerships with industry, startups and national labs help accelerate early-stage technology development.

Our Team

Faculty Advisory Committee

A diverse faculty committee advises the Institute in its strategic initiatives and programs.
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Leadership & Staff

The Institute brings together preeminent scholars and leading practitioners to lead its efforts.
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Visiting Fellows

The Institute brings senior leaders from industry and government to campus for regular interactions and mentorship with UChicago students.
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Programs & Labs

The Institute brings together scholars to foster high-impact results through several programs.
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