The world’s oceans, vital for food, materials, recreation and business, are at risk due to overfishing, pollution and climate impacts. As humanity taps into the “blue economy,” ocean health is critical to address. Duke University has long been a leader in ocean and climate research, working to protect oceans while identifying their role in climate solutions. The Duke Marine Lab is central to this effort, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration across the university and state. Through additional partnerships locally to globally, Duke ensures that research and expertise are helping to influence decision-making to create a sustainable blue economy for all.

Our climate impacts health, through the food systems, water, sanitation, worker safety, migration and disease patterns. Duke research is leading the way in identifying climate stresses on both health care and health outcomes, on new diseases and new patterns of old diseases, on individuals and populations, and on consequences on health disparities. Duke also is shaping professions and policies to meet these challenges. By fully integrating Duke’s first-class health system into the Climate Commitment’s education, research, engagement, operations, and community partnership strategies, we have an unprecedented opportunity to improve the health of our local community as well as people across the globe.

A more resilient and innovative energy economy will require trillions – not billions – in annual global investment, according to the Energy Transitions Commission. Duke leads in climate finance and policy to create robust, efficient systems and economies that focus on stronger economies, energy independence and supportive business growth. Faculty are providing intellectual leadership for the decisions being made by firms, financiers, and governments driving key investments. Our research, educational programs and strong alumni network offer students tremendous opportunities to shape the future to a more sustainable, efficient economy and society.