News + Media
MIT Institute for Data, Systems, and Society research from the Technology and Policy Program highlights multidisciplinary approaches to data-driven policies
Major challenges across all of the domains addressed by MIT's Institute for Data, Systems, and Society (IDSS) incorporate fundamentally intertwined elements of technology and policy. Researchers use available data to create models and inform key decisions, while IDSS brings together engineering, science, and social sciences to develop data-driven strategies and policies.
As Super Typhoon Nepartak hits Taiwan and China, National Geographic asks tropical cyclone expert Kerry Emanuel how these tempests form, and what risk they pose to people.
This spring, a five-day MIT Professional Education course — Agriculture, Innovation and the Environment — showcased innovative technologies and strategies to make the agriculture industry more productive, and attracted a score of professionals from all over the world.
Joint Program Deputy Director Sergey Paltsev presents keynote talk at EcoMod 2016
A new study in Journal of Climate shows that burning coal could result in less rainfall and raise water stress in some countries - especially in developing Asia.
The warming effects of burning coal are well known, and studies have shown that using the dirtiest fossil fuel around can cause cooling, too. This is not good news, though. A new study, by Singapore scientists, shows that the cooling could result in less rainfall and raise water stress in some countries - especially in developing Asia - where the use of coal looks set to rise.
Joint Program Research Associate Howard Herzog makes the case for carbon capture and sequestration
To adequately address climate change concerns, we will need to radically alter our energy systems to eliminate practically all carbon dioxide emissions. In analyzing the different technology options, the important measure of comparison is how much emissions reductions can be achieved and at what price. Unfortunately, the debate usually moves from objective analysis to emotional arguments that can obscure the facts and stall progress toward the ultimate goal of eliminating carbon dioxide emissions. The truth is that all energy technologies have strengths and weaknesses. We need to build on their strengths and to minimize their weaknesses.
New approach tracks key factors affecting crop yields, enabling early adaptation
Scientists at MIT and elsewhere have identified the “first fingerprints of healing” of the Antarctic ozone layer, published today in the journal Science.
Around the world, scientists are observing evidence of climate change — record high temperatures, rising sea levels, and melting ice sheets. But new research from MIT’s Program in Atmospheres, Oceans and Climate indicates that Antarctica and the Southern Ocean may be experiencing a period of cooling before warming takes over — and the culprit might be the ozone hole rather than greenhouse gases.
MIT Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences Professor Kerry Emanuel comments on the potential climate change implications of the anticipated opening of the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Watts Bar reactor, which is expected to generate enough electricity to power 650,000 homes.