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Research
A world of problems, a department of solutions. Organized around three major themes of sustainability, our research covers an extensive range of scientific disciplines and socio-economic concerns. Partnering with faculty across the School of Engineering and other schools, departments, and centers within Columbia University, we draw on broad expertise to uncover new insights and develop technologies to meet today’s multifaceted ecological challenges.
Sustainable Energy
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Research Areas
- Decarbonization of the Earth's energy system to mitigate potential changes in the Earth's climate
- Renewable energy
- Electrochemical energy storage
- Optimal integration of renewables into the energy grid
- Carbon capture, utilization and storage
- Affiliated Faculty
- Research Centers
Sustainable Water
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Research Areas
- Climate adaptation and climate risk mitigation for water and other systems
- Land-atmosphere interactions
- Global hydrology and climate sensitivity
- Atmospheric moisture transport and floods
- Biological wastewater treatment, membrane processes for water desalination, re-use and energy recovery
- Affiliated Faculty
- Research Centers
Sustainable Mining, Minerals, and Materials
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Research Areas
- Recycling and reuse
- Extraction of rare earths and metals from waste streams
- Climate and water risks associated with mining operations
- Surface and colloidal chemistry applications to reducing water use in mining and novel processing of minerals
- Environmental restoration of mined lands
- Affiliated Faculty
- Research Center
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