The Atomic Now explores how the nuclear has shaped modern life, at once invisible and hyper-visible, an existential threat and a cultural obsession. The urgency of this inquiry is underscored by the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Nihon Hidankyo, the Japanese hibakusha movement, at a moment many describe as a "nuclear renaissance": new energy projects are being launched, nuclear escalation looms in Ukraine and the Middle East, and atomic imagery resurfaces in global culture, from Nolan's Oppenheimer to the hit series Fallout.

The Nicholas Institute is pleased to announce Emily Burks as the second speaker in our Power Lunch series this semester.

Current Duke students are invited to join a Power Lunch with Emily Burks, chief development officer of Zelestra. Emily will discuss her work, with Q&A to follow; lunch will be provided.

Nature-based solutions (NBS) are actions that incorporate natural features and processes to protect, conserve, restore, sustainably use, and manage natural or modified ecosystems to address socio-environmental challenges while providing measurable co-benefits (IUCN, 2016). 

The Duke Society of American Foresters’ 2026 Spring Symposium, Building Resilience in Uncertain Times, brings together forestry leaders to explore market volatility, tariff shifts, and ecological pressures shaping the sector’s future.

Save the dates—March 23-27, 2026! Oceans Week at Duke brings together students, faculty, alumni, and partners to advance ocean sustainability, innovation, and collaboration. View the full week's schedule.

Think an environmental degree only leads to consulting or policy roles? Think again.

Current Duke students, join us for a dynamic alumni panel exploring how Nicholas School of the Environment graduates have built careers in technology, entrepreneurship, product management, engineering, business intelligence, and capital-driven industries—pathways that may not traditionally be labeled “environmental,” but are shaping the future of climate innovation.

Register now! Join global leaders, innovators, and Duke experts for a dynamic half-day program bridging science, business, and policy to accelerate a regenerative blue economy. Part of Oceans Week at Duke.

Duke students, faculty and staff are invited to join the Duke Climate Commitment for a community input session discussing the university's sustainable operations roadmap. Come with questions—or share them beforehand via the registration form—and leave more knowledgable about the path forward. Part of the Climate Commitment's Town Hall series.

The Nicholas Institute is pleased to announce Casey Gilley as the third speaker in our Power Lunch series this semester.

Current Duke students are invited to join our third Power Lunch of the spring 2026 emester, featuring Casey Gilley, president and co-founder of CSS Repower, will discuss his work. Q&A to follow; lunch will be provided.

In this fireside chat, Duke expert Tim Profeta will speak with Dr. Richard Sandor about his trailblazing work, unique background, recent book, and why now, more than ever, the power of carbon markets is needed to address climate change. Part of North American Carbon World (NACW) 2026, paid registration required.

Katharine Hayhoe is the chief scientist for the Nature Conservancy, a distinguished professor at Texas Tech University and the author of Saving Us: A Climate Scientist's Case for Hope and Healing in a Divided World. Join the Duke Climate Commitment for a fireside chat with Dr. Hayhoe and Dean Lori Bennear of the Duke University Nicholas School of the Environment. This event is free and open to all, with a reception to follow the talk.

The Duke Research Summit is a showcase of the groundbreaking research and innovation happening across Duke. This full-day event includes a light breakfast, fireside chat with research leadership, multiple panel discussions, Daubechies lecture, catered lunch, lightning talks, and a networking reception. All members of the Duke research community are open to apply to share a lightning talk at the summit, applications due Sunday, February 1 at 11:59 p.m.

SAVE THE DATES for the eleventh annual Energy Week at Duke: November 9-13, 2026! The student-led event will offer opportunities to learn and network with Triangle-area professionals, students, faculty, and staff.

In the meantime, check out our photo essay on the record crowd students drew for last year's Energy Week at Duke.