Our Purpose

On July 1, 2024, the MIT School of Science launched the MIT Center for Sustainability Science and Strategy (CS3) to advance knowledge and computational capabilities in the field of sustainability science, and support decision-makers in government, industry and civil society to achieve sustainable development goals. Aligned with the Climate Project at MIT, researchers at CS3 will develop and apply expertise from across the Institute to improve understanding of sustainability challenges, and thereby provide actionable knowledge and insight to inform strategies for improving human well-being for current and future generations.

Many CS3 researchers are appointed in the MIT Energy Initiative; the MIT Institute for Data, Systems and Society; the MIT Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences; and other MIT departments, labs and centers. 

Mission

We conduct actionable, evidence-based research to improve understanding of sustainability challenges. Our research enables decision-makers to devise effective strategies to address global change and enhance well-being for current and future generations. We take an integrated approach to sustainability science that considers the Earth's interconnected, co-evolving natural and societal systems in their full complexity.

Vision

We are natural and social scientists who aim to accelerate the field of sustainability science, collaborating with societal leaders and integrating knowledge from diverse disciplines to:  

  • Advance fundamental understanding of the Earth’s complex, interconnected physical and socio-economic systems.

  • Leverage leading-edge computing and data through the development and dissemination of new knowledge, tools and strategies.

  • Generate actionable scientific information that mitigates risks to critical life-support systems while supporting equity and justice.