UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — In December 2023, the University launched the Penn State Climate Consortium. Its mission is to meet the mounting challenges related to climate change by identifying, creating and implementing research-based climate solutions. In its first year, the consortium has  provided resources, fostered collaborations and created opportunities to advance climate research and solutions. 

“It is inspiring to reflect on all our accomplishments this past year, which leveraged the breadth and depth of climate-related work at Penn State and tapped into the tremendous momentum of our faculty, students and staff in helping to make a difference in the lives of people in Pennsylvania and beyond,” said Erica Smithwick, director of the Climate Consortium. “Looking forward, the consortium will build upon this energy to ensure Penn State continues to drive innovation and partnerships to address the climate challenges faced by the communities in which we work and live." 

In May 2024, the consortium added to its leadership team by bringing on two interdisciplinary researchers as associate directors, Jacqueline O’Connor, professor of mechanical engineering, and Janet Swim, professor of psychology. Additionally, Sarah Potter, the consortium’s research project manager, was hired. In her role, she provides vital support to the programs, events, faculty and visitors.  

One of those programs is the Climate Solutions Accelerator, a program implemented to stimulate actionable climate research. It is designed to bridge the gap between research and real-world implementation, fostering key research and bringing effective climate solutions to communities. In 2024, the Climate Solutions Accelerator program funded 11 workshops, which advance teams and develop ideas for further funding or implementation. In 2024, workshops had more than 100 participants with nearly half from industry, government agencies and academia. The program also funded four promising climate solutions projects with interdisciplinary and community partnerships. The chosen projects address climate challenges related to supplying healthcare to vulnerable populations, improving forest carbon offsets, integrating climate change considerations into water management, and enhancing environmental monitoring on Indigenous lands. 

Workshops are planned again for 2025. 

“The Climate Solutions Accelerator empowers researchers to collaborate with global partners and turn innovative ideas into impactful climate solutions,” O’Connor said. “In 2024, our workshops inspired scalable and actionable climate initiatives in crucial areas, including engaging the youth of today in climate research, developing climate-resilient strategies for agroforestry, protecting the health of those working with critical minerals, and creating nature-inspired built environment innovations.” 

In addition to bringing people together through projects, the consortium brings them together through a keystone networking event. The Climate Solutions Symposium is a two-day event that provides opportunities for attendees to hear about the latest in climate solutions research and implementation and to connect with others in the climate solutions space. In May 2024, the symposium attracted more than 400 attendees, with representatives from more than 50 external groups including universities, government, industry and non-profits participating. The 2024 symposium also featured 21 sessions that spanned the breadth of the consortium’s 10 themes.

The third edition of the event, the 2025 Climate Solutions Symposium will be held on May 19 and 20, 2025, at The Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center. The call for breakout sessions is open until Jan. 24. 

“The Climate Solutions Symposium is more than just a conference; it's a dynamic platform where innovation thrives and collaboration flourishes,” Swim said. “Attendees have the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in cutting-edge research, engage in stimulating discussions with people with a broad range of expertise, and strengthen networks that drive real-world climate solutions. By bringing together multiple viewpoints, the symposium fosters a vibrant community dedicated to addressing our time's most pressing environmental challenges.” 

Beyond the programs and events, the Penn State Climate Consortium has been engaging and supporting faculty from a variety of disciplines who seek to meld their work with climate solutions. 

The Consortium engages with a Faculty Advisory Committee, a group of 25 Penn State faculty members representing a wide range of disciplines and campuses. This body provides valuable insights and recommendations on Climate Consortium initiatives. 

Another goal of the consortium is to bring new, outstanding climate-focused faculty members to Penn State. In fall of 2024, two new faculty members were hired: Mark Ortiz, an assistant professor in the Department of Geography in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, and Mook Bangalore, an assistant professor in the School of Public Policy in the College of the Liberal Arts. The addition of these faculty members reinforces the University's commitment to interdisciplinary climate research and was strongly supported by the Penn State Climate Consortium. Bangalore and Ortiz will also work with the consortium.  

Three active searches focused on recruiting faculty with climate-related expertise are underway. Two new faculty members are set to join Penn State in the near future. 

Lastly, the consortium seeks to support faculty who are pursuing innovative ways of disseminating climate research. For example, Hester Blum, professor of English, co-curated a climate-focused art and writing exhibition featuring work from a 2022 Arctic Circle expeditionary residency that showed in Brooklyn, New York, in October. This interdisciplinary approach was a way to enhance climate research by making it engaging and accessible to a wider audience.  

“The Climate Consortium may be marking its first official year, but Penn State’s commitment to climate-related work spans decades,” Smithwick said. “Our researchers, educators, staff and students have long been dedicated to understanding the causes of climate change and finding ways to mitigate its impacts. The consortium aims to honor these efforts by fostering collaboration and amplifying their impact, positioning Penn State as a leader in climate solutions not just in Pennsylvania, but on a global scale.” 

Individuals interested in exploring how they can engage with the Penn State Climate Consortium or who would like to learn more are encouraged to attend the 2025 symposium or email climate@psu.edu.