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
134
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
Updated report outlines steps to confront environmental racism in St. Louis
A new WashU report examining environmental racism in St. Louis offers updated data and a series of recommendations aimed at addressing longstanding disparities in health, housing and environmental conditions across the region.
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
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
St. Louis Residents Launch Plastic Reduction Effort Along Hodiamont Greenway
Residents in the Vandeventer neighborhood are taking new steps toward environmental sustainability as part of a community-driven effort to reduce plastic waste along the Hodiamont Greenway.
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.
