Semi-arid regions bordering the Gulf of Mexico; Pan American biofuels and bioenergy; marine renewable resources in sub-arctic systems; the Marcellus shale; sustainable water systems, energy systems, and manufacturing systems.
These and related topics are the focus of new grants totaling $8 million made through the National Science Foundation (NSF)'s Science, Engineering and Education for Sustainability (SEES) activity, in its Research Coordination Networks (RCNs) program.
SEES activities span the range of scientific domains at NSF.
They support interdisciplinary research and education projects that will move society toward global sustainability; build new links among existing projects and partners; add new participants in sustainability research; and develop the workforce needed to understand and address the complex issues of environmental sustainability.
Sustainability science goes beyond adaptation and mitigation to environmental change. A sustainable world is one in which human needs are met without harm to the environment and without sacrificing the ability of future generations to in turn meet their needs.
This formidable task requires a substantial increase in understanding the integrated system of society and the natural world along with the alterations humans are making on Earth, scientists believe.
NSF's SEES activities are addressing this need by supporting interdisciplinary research and education leading to a better understanding of, predictive capability for, and solutions to environmental challenges.
The RCN program's goal is to advance a field or create new directions in research or education. Through their NSF grants, groups of investigators coordinate their research, training and educational activities across disciplinary, organizational, geographic and international boundaries.
The program fosters new collaborations, including international partnerships and addresses interd
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| Contact: Cheryl Dybas cdybas@nsf.gov 703-292-7734 National Science Foundation Source:Eurekalert |