When the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released its latest report this spring (Sixth Assessment Report, Working Group III), like many of you, I felt alarmed by its stark analysis of the climate emergency and the breadth and scale of its impact — from intensifying threats from wildfires, heat waves, drought, rising sea levels, and natural disasters to disruptions in food systems and forced migration.

Yet it has also made me more determined than ever to continue working to create opportunities here at YSE for students and faculty to pursue the type of solutions-based scholarship that is critical if we are to avoid the direst impacts of climate change — and do so in a way that is just and equitable.

In this issue of Canopy, I hope you’ll enjoy reading about some of the work on greenhouse gas emissions different water bodies send into the atmosphere — factors that influence and could mitigate them — and the potential for enhancing the ability of coastal and marine ecosystems to store so-called “blue carbon.” You also can read about the work our amazing alumni and students are doing to better understand fire ecology and the role fire can play in land restoration. I am also excited about the new partnerships that we are forming — across Yale, the country, and internationally — that give us new opportunities to pursue our science-to-solutions scholarship. The Central Park Climate Lab, for example, is a first-of-its-kind initiative launched this year with the Central Park Conservancy and the Natural Areas Conservancy that is aimed at helping cities develop strategies to manage and mitigate the impacts of climate change on urban parks.

As always, I am looking forward to continuing this work with all of you. The dedication of our community — of our faculty, staff, alumni, supporters, and incredible students — never ceases to amaze and inspire!

Indy Burke

Carl W. Knobloch, Jr. Dean