Rising Seas and Sinking Cities Signal a Coastal Crisis in China

Edith Zhao2025, Affiliate Research

A Rutgers study of geological records shows sea level increasing the fastest in 4,000 years, highlighting need for global and local action A team of scientists led by Rutgers researchers has uncovered evidence showing modern sea level rise is happening faster than at any time in the past 4,000 years, with China’s coastal cities especially at risk. Reporting in Nature, …

Climate Solutions That Work for People and the Planet 

Edith Zhao2025, Affiliate Research

Many climate change solutions can help nature, water, food systems, and human health at the same time, but only if they are designed and managed in holistic ways. A new study shows that a range of climate actions have positive effects across all these areas, including planting forests to sustainable agricultural practices to changing what we eat.  Pamela McElwee, RCEI …

Scientists Meet in Cape Town to Plan Future Climate Intervention Research

Edith Zhao2025, Affiliate Research

Scientists around the world are studying different ways we might respond to climate change, including controversial approaches called solar radiation modification (SRM), which aims to reflect some of the sun’s energy back to space to cool the Earth. To better understand how these approaches might work, researchers need to run complex computer simulations using climate models, and they need to …

CEE Professor Awarded NSF CFIRE Grant to Speed the Use of Cell-Free Systems to Grow the Bioeconomy

Edith Zhao2025, Affiliate News

As a co-principal investigator on a National Science CFIRE (Advancing Cell-Free Systems Toward Increased Range of Use-Inspired Applications) initiative, RCEI affiliate Yalin Li, an assistant professor in the School of Engineering Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE), has received $629,000 from a $7.8 million team grant.   The NSF has awarded more than $32 million in grants to four teams that …

Is wave power New Jersey’s next renewable energy source? See which hurdles remain

Edith Zhao2025, Affiliate News

An article from Asbury Park Press explores whether wave power could become New Jersey’s next renewable energy source, as scientists and policymakers consider options to meet rising electricity demand while reducing dependence on fossil fuels. With about 140 miles of coastline, the state has significant potential to harness ocean energy — but cost, technology, and environmental concerns remain major challenges. …

After the storm: to rebuild or relocate?

Edith Zhao2025, Affiliate Research

A new study published in Risk Analysis examines how residents and government officials in flood-prone communities—specifically Ortley Beach, New Jersey—view rebuilding and relocation after major storms like Superstorm Sandy. The research explores how climate beliefs, political affiliations, and worldviews influence decisions about whether public funds should support staying in or leaving high-risk coastal areas. The study, led by Rutgers University …

How Nature Can Make Urban Dwellers Healthier

Edith Zhao2025, Affiliate Research

Research by a Rutgers ecologist shows biodiversity improves physical and mental health, but warns of some potential risks A study by Rutgers ecologist and RCEI affiliate Myla Aronson and colleagues has found “overwhelming” evidence that increasing biodiversity in cities – establishing parks, installing native plants and encouraging sustainable landscaping – can significantly improve human health. Reporting in the science journal People and …

In a World First, Autonomous Robot Glider to Circle the Globe in Historic Ocean Mission

Edith Zhao2025, Affiliate News

An underwater vehicle named Redwing will be launched in a Teledyne Marine-Rutgers project to collect data for ocean science and weather forecasting  Guided by the rhythms of the sea and the promise of discovery, Teledyne Marine and Rutgers University will set Redwing, an autonomous underwater vehicle, on its journey on Friday, Oct. 10, leading to its launch into the Atlantic Ocean …

Keeping Oyster and Clam Farms Safe from Disease 

Edith Zhao2025, Affiliate Research

A new study in Aquaculture looked at how tiny oysters and clams (called seed) can carry diseases when moved between hatcheries and farms. The authors wanted to find out which life stages are most at risk, and how careful water treatment can help protect both farmed and wild shellfish.  David Bushek, RCEI Affiliate, a professor in the Department of Marine …

Despite the Trump Administration’s Best Efforts to Suppress It, Climate Science Is Alive and Well Online

Edith Zhao2025, Affiliate News

An article from Inside Climate News explores how scientists and research institutions are mobilizing to preserve and share accurate climate science despite efforts by the Trump administration to censor or dismantle federal climate resources. When the administration cut funding, fired staff, and ordered the removal of terms such as “equity” and “climate justice” from government sites like climate.gov, researchers around …