Environment, climate & sustainability

Advance knowledge, innovation and stewardship to help communities protect and sustain the natural systems we all share.

Researchers waste-up in a body of water in a swamp

Empowering a healthier future

Environment, climate and sustainability initiatives connect research, teaching and public service. Through discovery, collaboration and student opportunity, Carolina helps communities shape practical solutions.

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Flowing Together: Restoring NC’s Drinking Water

An interdisciplinary group of UNC-Chapel Hill scientists and engineers are deploying and evaluating technologies that filter “forever chemicals” linked to a range of health problems from our drinking water.

Your support in action

Jillian Dempsey

She searches for sunlight energy solutions

Chemistry professor Jillian Dempsey’s lab researches ways to convert solar energy into liquid fuels.

Three people stand in the street holding heat sensors and their covers.

That’s heat

Researchers at the Data-Driven EnviroLab are finding ways to cool us down. 

Portrait of person wearing suit and tie against a blue and white argyle backdrop.

Ask a Professor: Jason Surratt on potential air pollution from harmful algal blooms

The environmental sciences and engineering professor is working to understand how organic compounds emitted into the atmosphere get transformed as other air toxins.

Support environment, climate & sustainability initiatives

Invest in a more sustainable future. Support research, teaching and student experiences that help communities respond to environmental change. 

Environment, Ecology and Energy Program (E3P)

Provides support for the highest priorities of the Environment, Ecology and Energy Program (E3P).

The Ackerman Center for Excellence in Sustainability

Provides discretionary support for the Ackerman Center for Excellence in Sustainability at UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School. The Ackerman Center for Excellence in Sustainability drives responsible thought leadership and education to accelerate progress in social and environmental sustainability through innovative and profitable business solutions.

The Department of Earth, Marine and Environmental Sciences Fund

Provides support for the Earth / Geological Sciences, Marine Sciences, and Environmental Sciences programs.

Center for Public Engagement with Science

Supports a network of field sites through semester-long, immersive experiences in North Carolina and abroad where students live and learn in diverse ecosystems — from mountains to coasts to urban environments while advancing education, research, and community engagement.

Contact us

Have questions or want to explore how your giving can make the greatest impact? We welcome the opportunity to connect and learn more about what inspires you. Reach out to start a conversation about your philanthropic goals and how you can support environment, climate & sustainability initiatives.