EarthLab News
Three former EarthLab summer interns honored in 2026 Husky 100
Congratulations to three former EarthLab summer interns recognized in the 2026 Husky 100!
Each year, the Husky 100 recognizes 100 undergraduate, graduate and professional students from the UW Bothell, Seattle and Tacoma campuses in all areas of study who are making the most of their time at the University of Washington. The recipients actively connect what happens inside and outside of the classroom and apply what they learn to make a difference on campus, in their communities and for the future.
Why nature contact is good for us
Most people agree that time in nature is good for our mental and physical health. Whether it’s a remote wilderness backpacking trip or 15 minutes spent sitting on a park bench, people tend to feel better if they have some interactions with nature. Many scientific studies confirm this as well. Over the past two decades, and especially in the last few years, researchers have increasingly documented the positive effects of natural spaces on mental health and well-being. This includes outcomes like feeling less lonely, lower levels of burnout and depression and better abilities to cope during stressful situations.
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Assessment of nature in the US now available for public comment
The Nature Record, a sweeping assessment of the state of nature in the U.S., was published in draft form for public comment and review in March. The report explores the impact of human development, including biodiversity loss, as well as the resilience of nature.
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Finding My Place in Climate Work Beyond the Lab
By Angelina Durbin
Climate Health Risk Tool Communications Intern, Summer 2025
For the majority of my life, I believed that climate work had a single entry point. If I wanted to make a meaningful contribution, I needed to be an engineer or a researcher who spent hours in the lab each day. This belief was instilled in me early on due to my educational background.
University of Washington's EarthLab Announces Two New Grant Programs to Advance Climate and Environmental Justice Research
EarthLab, an institute at the University of Washington College of the Environment, just announced the launch of two new grant programs designed to accelerate community-engaged climate change and environmental justice research. The Incubator Grants and Rapid Response Grants are now accepting applications through March 6, 2026. Both programs offer twelve-month awards of up to $10,000 to eligible University of Washington faculty, staff, and research scientists across all three campuses (Bothell, Seattle, and Tacoma).
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An Olympic orientation: UW Climate Impacts Group and Washington Sea Grant pilot a learning institute for emerging environmental professionals
Sixteen emerging environmental professionals – of different backgrounds, but together undertaking a new chapter in their careers near where the Elwha empties itself into the Strait of Juan de Fuca, on the Olympic Peninsula. They were part of a new week-long professional development opportunity designed through a partnership between the UW Climate Impacts Group and Washington Sea Grant. EarthLab team members supported the project and the story.
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Applying for the Research Fellowship Program
The Northwest Climate Adaptation Science Center (NW CASC) Research Fellowship Program supports research related to climate adaptation for Northwest natural and cultural resource management and provides training in the principles and practices of developing decision-relevant science. The NW CASC invites applications for its 2026-2027 Research Fellowship Program from graduate students at University of Washington (UW), Boise State University (BSU), Oregon State University (OSU), Portland State University (PSU) University of Montana (UM), Washington State University (WSU) and Western Washington University (WWU) and from postdoctoral scholars at BSU, OSU, PSU, UM, WSU and WWU (this fellowship cannot provide funding for postdocs at UW).
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Food Waste to Fuel: The Biodigester Project in South Park
Can food waste become a catalyst for climate justice, clean energy and community resilience? A 2024–25 EarthLab Innovation Grant supported a collaboration between the Duwamish Valley Sustainability Association (DVSA)—a community organization that supports equitable economic growth without harmful impacts to the environment, the Just Circular Communities Collaborative (JC3), and a University of Washington (UW) research team to explore that question. As a next phase that grows from a small, pilot anaerobic biodigester at Food Lifeline in collaboration with DVSA, they conducted a feasibility study on installing a large-scale anaerobic biodigester within the South Park neighborhood, a technology that turns food waste into biogas and liquid plant food.
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An Anchor Through Shifting Tides: Annual Community Dinners Foster Connection, Collaboration for Nature and Health
What keeps a tradition alive? Is it the strength of an idea? The dedication of the people who uphold it? For the Nature and Health community dinner, it’s both. And more. Participants in the first Nature and Health Community Dinner talk around a large table at Ravenna BreweryFor a decade, the organization has hosted quarterly dinners to bring together transdisciplinary, intergenerational groups of people who care about the intersections of nature and health.
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EarthLab Releases Second Annual Impact Report, Highlighting Community-Led Climate Solutions and Resilience
SEATTLE, WA – November 13, 2025
The University of Washington’s EarthLab released its second annual impact report today, documenting fiscal year 2025 achievements in community-centered environmental research and action. The report highlights how trust-based partnerships are driving climate solutions across Washington state.
“This past year has reminded me that everything we do begins with trust,” said Phil Levin, Interim Executive Director of EarthLab.
