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INSTAAR conducts interdisciplinary research and education on the past, present, and future of Earth systems in service of a just and thriving world.

With deep roots in polar regions, alpine environments, and Quaternary history, today we embrace a global perspective on bellwethers of environmental change.

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INSTAAR in the field

News

Microbes, not fossil fuels, drove methane growth between 2020–22

A new analysis from Sylvia Michel, Pieter Tans, Reid Clark, Jianghanyang (Ben) Li, and collaborators investigates the root cause of a recent atmospheric methane spike. While their finding suggests microbes have been emitting more methane than fossil fuels in recent years, reducing fossil fuel consumption remains key to addressing climate change.

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New research warns of accelerated timelines for a sea-ice-free Arctic

Alexandra Jahn and Céline Heuzé (University of Gothenburg) use computer models to show how a series of extreme weather events could lead to the Arctic’s first ice-free day within just a few years.

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Events

Sarah Crump Graduate Fellowship 

Sarah Crump, in purple coat, stands in front of a dramatic Baffin Island landscape of colorful tundra suddenly broken by towering cliffs.

Thanks to the efforts of Sarah's family and 1200+ generous donors, we met our first funding goal in May 2023 and created an endowment that supports a CU Â鶹ӰԺ grad student every summer. Sarah's summer fellowship gives a boost to their study of Earth or environmental science in Arctic, Antarctic, or alpine regions. It also acts as a lever for equity and underserved communities. Our next goal is to extend summer support into the school year. Please consider contributing.

Learn about Sarah & her fellowship   

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Become part of our community and get a peek into our research & creative work, 3-4 times a year.