A major research initiative is being launched by the University at Buffalo to tackle some of the world's biggest environmental challenges. Alexander Cartwright, vice president for research and economic development at UB, says the university is uniquely positioned to launch its new Research and Education in eNergy Environment and Water, or RENEW, institute.
"This area has the largest percentage of fresh water in the world and we want to make sure that we keep that fresh water, that we protect it, that we make sure the right policies are in place and that we understand what's happening to that water," Cartwright says.
There will be a focus on other environmental issues as well, including sustainability, climate change, pollution law and the social and economic issues involved.
Cartwright says more than 100 faculty from across UB, including Architecture and Planning, Arts and Sciences, Engineering, Applied Sciences, Law, Public Health and the School of Management, will be involved.
"I think that's what's exciting about this is getting all of these people together, and we have terrific teams who are all very excited about this. The leadership at each school is interested in this being a successful program," Cartwright says.
UB is providing $15 million in funding over the next five years for RENEW.