Environmental change is a phenomenon that impacts nearly every aspect of society, from the fuel we use to heat our homes and drive our cars, to our efforts to maintain viable food and water supplies affected by changing weather conditions. To encompass all of these areas of research and inform public policy decisions, the Environmental Change Institute was created in 2008, with a generous gift from the Alvin H. Baum Family Fund and matching funds from the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences; the College of Business; and the College of Law.
The Environmental Change Institute will be a leader in the research and understanding of global climate change, advancing solutions that reduce human impact on the environment and the environment's impact on society.
The Environmental Change Institute focuses the unique resources and research capabilities of the University of Illinois to advance our understanding of global environmental change and offers solutions that enable society to avoid, mitigate or adapt to its effects through the support of scholarly research, innovative teaching, a public outreach initiatives.
Enhance and promote holistic thinking about interactions among climate, food and energy systems, demographic pressures, and justice and dignity.
Inspire real-world debates relating to global environmental change.
Generate a cadre of highly motivated, broadly trained and ethically aware leaders for the 21st century.
Understand the impact of the changing environment of humans and assure effective and just adaptation.
Enhance the balance of human needs and the integrity of natural systems.
