EarthLab News
From Trash to Treasure: How the South Park Biodigester is Bringing New Life to the Community
By Allie Long
What if our garbage didn’t end up in the landfill, but instead could transform into something that was life-giving and helpful? Fortunately, for residents of Seattle’s South Park neighborhood, this idea has become a reality.
The Duwamish Valley Sustainability Association (DVSA), together with support from the South Park community, University of Washington’s EarthLab, the EPA, Food Lifeline, the City of Seattle, Seattle Parks Foundation, Sustainable Seattle, ECOnorthwest, NextCycle and 360 Social, has spent the last several years creating the first community-owned biodigester in Seattle.
2024 Report of the Lancet Countdown reveals record-breaking health threats of climate inaction
Dr. Jeremy Hess, director of the Center for Health and the Global Environment, is a contributing author to the Lancet Countdown 2024 Report and a senior author on the accompanying U.S. Country Brief.
Read moreRegister for an exclusive screening of Hollow Tree: Growing Up at the End of the Earth
Future Rivers is hosting another film series this academic year to bring forward concepts of community, climate and fresh water. We will open the series on Tues., Nov. 26 with an exclusive screening of Hollow Tree: Growing Up at the End of the Earth.
Read moreBuilding Trust, Bridging Gaps: A Conversation with Ashli Blow on Science Communication & Environmental Justice
By Gabriela Palma
Storytelling for Social Change Intern, Summer 2024
As a recent graduate from the University of Washington with a degree in Communication and Environmental Health, my passion for science communication stems from a desire to learn about environmental health, share this knowledge with my friends and family, and address the gap between the scientific community and the public.
Science communication is not just about articulating complex scientific issues; it’s also about making science accessible and encouraging people to be part of the solutions.
EarthLab Releases First-Ever Impact Report, Showcasing Early Achievements and Future Aspirations
Seattle, WA – October 7, 2024
(Leer en español)
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.
EarthLab Anuncia Primer Informe de Impacto, Mostrando sus Logros y Aspiraciones para el Futuro
Seattle, WA – 7 de octubre de 2024
(Read in English)
EarthLab es un instituto ubicado en el Colegio del Medio Ambiente y la Universidad de Washington (UW) que se dedica a promover y tomar acción equitativa contra los cambios climáticos. Con mucho orgullo, EarthLab anuncia la primera edición de su informe sobre su impacto que destaca los logros importantes desde enero 2021 hasta junio 2024.
UW Climate Impacts Group contributes to new WA State Climate Resiliency Strategy
Members of the University of Washington Climate Impacts Group have supported a newly released plan for state agencies to address the regional impacts of climate change, such as dwindling snowpack, rising seas, flooding and dangerous heat events like the 2021 Pacific Northwest “heat dome.”
Read moreAutumn Qtr Seminars for UW Undergrad & Grad Students
Welcome back to campus, Huskies! We're excited to share a couple of seminar courses this quarter that center themes on environmental justice and planning your career in this work.
Read moreCordy Plymale shares why climate change and human health are deeply connected
CHanGE, where Plymale interned, has a unique focus on researching how climate change impacts the health of vulnerable communities. Because the internship was through UW’s EarthLab, Plymale was part of a cohort of students doing interdisciplinary internships related to the environment and social justice. The student cohort participated in weekly professional development sessions and networking opportunities to connect them with leaders in the climate and health industries.
Read moreNextGen Narratives | Pushing Boundaries as an EarthLab Intern
By Cordy Plymale
Climate Health Risk Tool Intern
When you hear the phrase, “push the boundaries,” what do you think? These three words are the foundation of EarthLab’s mission, which explains that developing innovative, just, and equitable solutions to environmental challenges comes from bridging expertise, partnerships, and resources at UW with the wider community. This past summer, I considered this phrase deeply.








