The 2025 TIME100 Climate list of influential leaders driving business climate action includes Duke connections: Tyler Norris, a Ph.D. student at Duke and alumnus Peter Fernandez. Congratulations! 

Photo above of Tyler Norris by Bill Snead/Duke University

Duke University and the University of Georgia are partnering with leaders from the insurance and climate data industries to launch the Center for Innovation in Risk, Catastrophes, and Decisions (CIRCAD), a new initiative focused on advancing insurance innovation and large-scale risk mitigation amid escalating climate disasters.

Karimah Preston, a student in the Duke Climate & Sustainability Master of Engineering program, found that environmental problems facing her hometown of Chicago are also happening in other cities across the globe. Through the MEng program at Duke, she is designing a better world.

Dan Vermeer, Executive Director, Center for Energy, Development, and the Global Environment and Associate Professor of the Practice at Fuqua School of Business, welcomed 75 MBA students into the classroom this fall to wrestle with one of the hardest questions in business today: How do companies balance profits with the planet and society? He also opened up the sustainability strategy class for anyone interested in joining the conversation.

Jessica Castner, PhD, RN-BC, FAEN, FAAN, a Duke Climate Leader in Residence, highlighted how and why healthcare should advance climate solutions at the Duke University School of Nursing's 5th Annual Community Health Lecture on October 22. Castner noted concrete ways nurses can better serve patients and communities amidst climate change and pointed to the need to reimagine healthcare infrastructure. Castner encouraged nurses to advocate with policymakers for systems-level change. 

ICYMI: Alumna Jill Tiefenthaler, the CEO of the National Geographic Society, was invited by students back home to campus on Oct. 10 for Duke Sustainable Ocean Alliance’s Summit for Ocean Stewards. Led by senior and Climate Pathfinder Lizzy Glazer, the summit kicked off with a panel of alumni and experts in different pathways of science communication, moderated by Dr. Toddi Steelman. 

“I always aim to Green Certify. Within Duke Arts Create, I work with artists who value sustainability in their arts practices, and I curate a series of low and zero-waste workshops throughout the year.”  

As Student Engagement Manager at Duke Arts, Anna Wallace is redefining how Duke engages with sustainability and uplifts environmental activism through art. From developing a strong food redistribution program for event leftovers to implementing composting and expanding recycling within Duke Arts, Anna continues to find new ways to reduce waste and promote circularity in the arts. Anna inspires us to find creative ways to integrate sustainability within our own lives for a greener Duke.

💡Sustainable Sparks is a new project highlighting Duke community members sparking change for a more sustainable campus.🌎✨ 

Who? Author Norman Wirzba, the Gilbert T. Rowe Distinguished Professor of Theology and Director of Research in the Office of Climate and Sustainability at Duke University  

What? Book Club! Read Love's Braided Dance (read the book in advance - 157 pages - to add to the discussion, but even if not finished reading, ALL are welcome!) 

When? Monday, Nov. 17 from 12-1 p.m.   

Where? Duke School of Nursing (Pearson Building, 307 Trent Drive, Room 1103) 

Extra? Bring your lunch and water bottle. Don't forget to bring your book - get it signed! 

Announcing a new grant opportunity through Duke’s Climate and Health Research Initiative (CHeRI) — a bold, multidisciplinary effort to address the growing health impacts of a changing climate. CHeRI is a new Duke School of Medicine initiative serving as a central hub for research, collaboration, and innovation. Beginning in January 2026, CHeRI will host its first annual “Big Idea” Symposium, supported through a grant from The Duke Endowment, to spark new research directions and support emerging teams focused on climate and health. Faculty, graduate students and postdocs are welcome to submit one-page proposals by Nov. 24 for a “Big Idea” that supports the creation of new, innovative, multidisciplinary research teams to address critical climate and health challenges.

Nov. 3 - SCALES proposals due

Nov. 3-7 - Energy Week at Duke

Nov. 7 - Devil’s Thrifthouse at The Landing in the Bryan Center 

Nov. 10-21 - UN COP (Brazil) - stay tuned for Duke updates!

Nov. 11 - Duke Gardens Forest Bathing Walk 

Nov. 13 - Duke Forest Annual Gathering

Nov. 17 - Roots & Remedies Book Club, Duke School of Nursing

Nov. 24 - Duke Campus Farm Holiday Market

Share events via email: climate@duke.edu. 

The Office of the Provost and the Office of Climate and Sustainability (OCS) are soliciting internal proposals for the new Scholars for Climate and Advanced Leadership in Environment and Sustainability (SCALES) Postdoctoral Fellows Program, an initiative designed to accelerate interdisciplinary research and leadership in climate, environment and sustainability. Proposals are due Nov. 3. 

Thank you to everyone who attended the Fall 2025 Climate Commitment Town Hall on Oct. 29. More info coming in November newsletter! The conversation and the interactions were incredible, and we look forward to gathering again soon as we continue the work together.