Climate Adaptations

Rather than forcing the planet to conform to what we want–an approach that has created widespread damage to plants, animals, habitats, and humans–research in this area charts a path toward a healthier future via adaptation of humans to the planet. In other words, this shift in mindset focuses on working with the earth, rather than against it. The research moves beyond theory and into practical applications that affect policy and industry, revealing that individual businesses are not isolated; they are part of an interconnected, circular system that touches everyone and everything on earth. With this work, the lab brings design thinking expertise and interdisciplinary agility to a campus-wide commitment to creating solutions and policy recommendations that address climate change.

“Just because we are being forced to exist in an extractive capitalist society, doesn't mean we can't critique it and imagine better possibilities for the future.” –Ka’ula Kristen Ka'ulawena Alipio, graduate student

Affiliated Research Organizations

• BioArch Studio; Principal Investigator: Pinar Yoldas
• Bioregional Center for Sustainability Science, Planning and Design; Director: Keith Pezzoli
• Center for Renewable Materials; Director: Michael Burkart
• Earth 2.0; Leadership: Eliah Aronoff-Spencer
• Indigenous Futures Institute; Principal Investigator: Keolu Fox
• Native BioData Consortium (NBDC); Board member: Keolu Fox
• Resilient Collective; Director: Eliah Aronoff-Spencer
• Resilient Shield; Director: Eliah Aronoff-Spencer
• Housing Alliance: Director: Mai Thi Nguyen