The Duke Climate Commitment is addressing the climate challenge with true impact through innovations in education, research, sustainable operations, external engagement and community partnerships. Duke is creating sustainable actions that place society on the path toward a resilient, flourishing net-zero world for all.
Climate Pathfinders
Duke Climate Roadtrip
Climate Profiles
“Climate Is…” Video Series
ANNOUNCEMENTS
SCALES Post-Doc Positions
The Office of Climate and Sustainability is seeking applications for post-doc positions for the SCALES Postdoctoral Fellows Program. Multiple positions are available for multidisciplinary climate and sustainability projects at Duke University working with PIs. Post-doc fellowships begin in summer 2026. Apply today.
Duke Launches Funded Climate-focused Fellowship Program
Duke University has received $10.45 million in the form of a new award and donor pledges to launch a one-of-a-kind, climate-focused program for postdoctoral fellows. Scholars for Climate and Advanced Leadership in Environment and Sustainability (SCALES) will recruit outstanding early-career scholars to Duke to advance breakthroughs in climate challenges through research partnerships across Duke’s more than 10 schools.
Announcing the 2025 State of the Duke Climate Commitment
As a community, we are advancing the vision of the Duke Climate Commitment—our bold pledge to confront the global climate challenge through education integration, research innovation, external engagement, sustainable operations and community partnerships. In this 2025 report, you will find more than 100 examples of climate action and sustainability from across the entire university. Thank you to every team and individual at Duke who has contributed to this report and to Duke’s sustainable future.
2030 Strategy - Three-Year Plan Executive Summary
September 2025 marks the third anniversary of the Duke Climate Commitment. Looking ahead to the next three years, the Three-Year Plan (2025–2028) is the next chapter towards the 2030 Strategy. This three-year plan reflects years of dialogue and collaboration since the launch of the Duke Climate Commitment in September 2022. It builds on the strengths of many people and partners, igniting efforts in education, research, external engagement, operations and community partnerships. Together, Duke is shaping a future that is safer, more secure, resilient and abundant for all. Join us in the shared journey ahead.
National University of Singapore-Duke University Joint Sustainability Research Initiative
The NUS-Duke University Joint Sustainability Research Initiative aims to kick-start collaborations in climate and sustainability-related research between NUS and Duke. Each institution has committed approximately $400,000 in funding to support up to four selected projects. Applications are due by June 1.
Latest News
- Climate Pathfinder: Fixing Environmental Problems — Rather Than Just Worrying About ThemFor Duke student Nicholas Nease, climate change has never been a distant or abstract concept—it’s something he has seen reshape the place he calls home. Growing up in Florida, Nease saw people raise their houses 12 feet into the air, setting them on pilings to stay ahead of rising floodwaters in coastal communities. “That’s when […]
- Duke Gardens’ Transformative Garden Gateway Project Opens to the PublicThis is a summary from the Sarah P. Duke Gardens website. The Garden Gateway project at Sarah P. Duke Gardens will open to the public on April 8, marking the completion of a major redesign that will transform the Duke Gardens experience. The $30 million project, underway since February 2025, includes renovations to the Doris Duke Center and main entrance as well as […]
- Does Ocean Saltiness Influence El Niño?Researchers from the Nicholas School of the Environment found that variability in ocean salt content affects El Niño intensity
- Climate Pathfinder: A Winning Match for Athletics, Climate and SustainabilityAlumna Imani Dorsey Kunzweiler has made a difference on the field at Duke and around the country as a professional soccer player. Now she has stepped onto two new teams: Duke Athletics and the Duke Office of Climate and Sustainability. “Through my role, if I can impact the life of one person and put this […]
2026 Climate Commitment Celebration Awards
Eight honorees received 2026 Climate Commitment Leadership Awards at the annual Duke Climate Commitment Celebration event Thursday, April 9. The awards recognize students, staff, and faculty who demonstrate leadership in climate and sustainability efforts in support of Duke’s Climate Commitment and who embody its vision. This year’s group came from across Duke, demonstrating how the Climate Commitment is being advanced through education, research, community partnerships and engagement with the world.
Subscribe to the Duke Climate Commitment Newsletter
The commitment builds on Duke’s longstanding leadership in climate, energy and sustainability to educate a new generation of climate-fluent innovators and create equitable solutions for all. Duke-affiliated students, staff- and faculty can subscribe to the Duke Climate Commitment newsletter.
A Timeline of Climate at Duke
Get Involved
Engaging the entire Duke community is a critically important facet of our commitment to address the climate crisis. Find out how you can get involved.