Are you a Duke University alum with plans (or potential plans) to attend Climate Week NYC (September 22-29) or the UNFCCC’s Conference of Parties (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan (November 11-22)? Duke University experts will again take part in these important convenings alongside climate thought leaders and decision-makers from across the world—and we are eager to connect with Duke alumni who will also be joining.

A new report released Wednesday by the Rhodium Group estimated that U.S. greenhouse gas emissions fell 1.9 percent in 2023 compared to the previous year—even as the economy grew. Nicholas Institute experts Jackson Ewing and Brian Murray are available to speak on the policy implications of the report.

World leaders—along with government officials, nongovernmental organizations, researchers and activists—gathered in Dubai for the annual United Nations Climate Change Conference to discuss ways to advance climate action. Experts from the Nicholas Institute attended the conference, released publications or announced initiatives tied to it and/or followed the proceedings closely.

The new Office of Climate and Sustainability brings together several of Duke University's climate, energy, and environmental assets—including the Nicholas Institute—to help advance the mission of the Duke Climate Commitment.

The New York Climate Exchange on Governors Island will be a laboratory for universities, corporations and public interest groups to develop solutions to the global climate crisis through education, research, workforce training, and community programs. During Climate Week NYC, several Duke experts explored Governors Island as part of a tour offered by the Exchange, Duke Today reports.

The Climate and Sustainability Summer Institute saw DC-area professionals learn from Duke faculty and researchers about climate and sustainability issues. The Nicholas Institute, Duke Continuing Studies, the Office of Climate & Sustainability, and Duke in DC collaborated on the two-week course, and Nicholas Institute experts Brian Murray and Liz Losos each led sessions.

Brian Murray joined the Policy 360 podcast, produced by Duke's Sanford School of Public Policy, to discuss different carbon tax approaches and their pros and cons for curbing CO₂ emissions.

Over $36 million in initial gifts will launch the Duke Climate Commitment, a new university-wide initiative focused on addressing climate change.

The Duke Climate Commitment will be formally announced on Sept. 29 and builds on the university’s longstanding leadership in climate, energy and sustainability to educate a new generation of climate-fluent innovators and create equitable solutions for all.

The U.S. Supreme Court issued a ruling June 30 that limits the authority of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to regulate greenhouse gas emissions released by power plants that drive climate change.

Brian Murray, interim director of the Duke University Energy Initiative and Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions, reviewed the ruling and explained its impacts.