Seattle, WA – October 7, 2024
EarthLab, an institute at the UW College of the Environment taking equitable action on climate change, is proud to announce the release of its inaugural impact report. This document highlights EarthLab’s significant achievements from January 2021 – June 2024 and outlines its ongoing commitment to fostering innovative, equitable climate solutions.
“Releasing EarthLab’s first impact report is an honor that I share on behalf of all the community partners, staff, researchers, and students that make up our community,” shared Executive Director Ben Packard. “This document stands as a testament to the early progress we have made towards the ideas and hopes we identified in our strategic plan and it serves as an important way-marker toward the collective future we wish to build together.”
Highlights from the EarthLab Impact Report
EarthLab’s impact report captures the essence of its dynamic first several years after the release of their strategic plan, which have been marked by significant global events and transformative local actions. Key highlights from the report include:
Investing in research co-created with community: Through the Innovation Grants Program, EarthLab has invested almost $2M to date into 29 interdisciplinary and community-led teams that center on community questions at the intersection of climate change and social justice.
Increasing research capacity with an environmental justice focus: The shared services model that EarthLab employs works to support nine UW centers with technical, operational, and communications services, making it possible for these groups to win big grants while further amplifying their work in the process.
Creating connections at UW and in community: Since 2021, EarthLab has hosted over 60 events that have brought people together across academic disciplines, lived experiences, and professional backgrounds.
Training and mentoring tomorrow’s climate leaders: In 2022, EarthLab launched a new program designed to facilitate interdisciplinary, real-world environmental justice experiences for UW undergraduates, with over 650 applicants applying for less than 40 spots over 3 years.
Looking Ahead
EarthLab’s first impact report highlights our initial steps toward a future filled with meaningful connections and creative solutions to the world’s most urgent environmental challenges. As we look ahead, we are committed to expanding our impact by securing additional funding to sustain and grow our programs, deepen our community partnerships, and support the next generation of climate leaders. With continued support from our partners and stakeholders, we envision EarthLab as a leading example of how universities can drive bold, interdisciplinary solutions to the complex challenges of climate, equity, and justice.
About EarthLab
EarthLab is an institute at the UW College of the Environment taking equitable action on climate change. We push boundaries to develop innovative research, programs, and events that connect across sectors, communities, and academic disciplines, and ultimately create positive impact for people and the planet.
Contact Information
For more information, please contact:
Allie Long
Communications Lead
EarthLab, University of Washington
alongs@uw.edu