Happy National Oceans Month! Learn about why oceans matter and some of the Duke climate and oceans research under way in this new Duke Today feature.

When does heat go from uncomfortable to dangerous for our bodies? Find out more with a newly refined alert system to help North Carolinians make evidence-based decisions about outdoor activities and precautions. Ashley Ward, director of Duke University's Heat Policy Innovation Hub, was part of a team that has worked on updates to the North Carolina Heat Health Alert System.

On June 11, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration officially declared an active El Niño event. Nicholas School of the Environment Assistant Professor Shineng Hu provides details about El Niño, how it works, and why it matters for our weather and climate.

Upward opportunity for people’s lives – clean air, clean water, sustainable housing, sanitation and resilient communities – was the focus of the 2026 SALA-Duke Summit on Climate and Sustainability. The two-day summit in May brought together more than 100 leaders, researchers and advocates to explore sustainable and equitable solutions and build connections to drive lasting change.

Nearly 200 alumni and friends gathered in in London on June 16 for Duke’s third stop on its MADE FOR THIS tour. Toddi Steelman, Ph.D.'96, VP and Vice Provost for Climate and Sustainability, Duke faculty member Nishad Jayasundara and PhD student Elizabeth Rojo had a climate conversation at the London event. Learn more about the critical heat research of Jayasundara, Rojo and others at Duke in this Duke Today feature.

Did you know the Office of Climate and Sustainability (OCS) includes six units working across Duke and the broader community? Visit the updated OCS website to learn highlights of each unit and OCS resources in education, research, operations, external engagement, community partnerships and more!

Explore key findings, action opportunities, examples, and a readiness guide informed by a recent workshop hosted by Duke University and Tailwind Futures at Duke in DC during DC Climate Week. 

In 1966, the Duke Primate Center was created, later becoming the Duke Lemur Center (DLC), the world’s largest and most diverse collection of lemurs outside of Madagascar. The DLC now houses more than 200 lemurs and bush babies across 13 species. This summer, the DLC joins the Office of Climate and Sustainability at Duke.

Patients at Duke Behavioral Health North Durham helped create a new landscape through a therapeutic gardening program led by psychiatry residents and behavioral health staff, in partnership with staff from Sarah P. Duke Gardens. Behavioral health staff have observed improved mood and self-confidence in patients while tending to the garden.

From the Arctic to Antarctica, researchers from the Nicholas School of the Environment are exploring how organisms, cultural practices and physical processes are tied to extreme environments. Explore the pole-to-pole series. Photo of humpback whales by Duke Marine Robotics and Remote Sensing Lab.

Since 1931, the Duke Forest has served as a living laboratory and outdoor classroom. During the 2024-25 fiscal year, the 7,100-acres forest supported 71 research projects, 39 Duke teaching activities and 150 class visits. While research and education are its main purpose, from the beginning, the Duke Forest has also been envisioned as a place where the community can enjoy the benefits of nature.

OCS Job Opportunity: Assistant Director of Climate and Sustainability Fluency

Get Involved: Duke Campus Farm Community Work Days

Duke University Libraries: Climate and Sustainability Resources

Due Aug. 1: Applications for the New York Climate Exchange 2026 Climate Tech Fellowship