The Center for the Environment is an interdisciplinary hub of environmental research that is committed to generating transformative solutions to our deepest societal challenges including: climate change, air pollution, access to clean water, food insecurity, biodiversity loss and infectious diseases.
By the numbers
133
Center scholars
46
Proposals/Grants supported
1000+
Activity participants
228
Journal articles published
in Jan-June 2025
The Center’s mission
The center serves as a cross-cutting collaboration hub, encouraging partners, faculty and students to advance research projects in areas including biodiversity, environmental justice, planetary health, environmental solutions, and climate change. Here’s a closer look at who we are, what we do, and why it matters for our community, our region and our world.
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Featured research & stories
Community Garden Health Research
WashU researchers in biology, public health, and environmental engineering are studying the health benefits of community garden participation. This research aims to strengthen community partnerships and position WashU as a university recognized for expertise in community garden research.
Building Trust Behind the Tap
University program seeks to close household water-data gaps with filter-based monitoring
WashU researchers bring findings — and questions — to St. Louis gardeners
From toxic metals in the soil to hidden hunger, researchers shared knowledge with local growers and asked for theirs in return
The WashU ecosystem
Within the WashU ecosystem of environmental research, education, and practice, the Center for the Environment serves as a connector. Much like a biodiversity corridor, we work to create space where our partners within the ecosystem and across distinct disciplines come together to address our world’s biggest environmental challenges.
In the news
Air pollution spikes as Trump doubles down on coal power
EPA data shows pollution bumps that are among the largest in decades, just as the agency rolls back rules cracking down on pollution from coal-fired power plants.
2025 was hotter than it should have been – 5 influences and a dirty surprise offer clues to what’s ahead
The past three years have been the world’s hottest on record by far, with 2025 almost tied with 2023 for second place.
WashU artists use music to amplify the climate change conversation
Christopher Stark and Dan Giammar bring environmental research and the arts together in “Climate Change in Concert.”
