F&ES and Nanjing University establish Center on Atmospheric Environment

The Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies (F&ES) and a leading Chinese university in atmospheric and climate sciences have agreed to conduct joint research.

Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology and F&ES have established the Yale-NUIST Center on Atmospheric Environment in Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu Province. Researchers will investigate land use change in China and its impact on the climate system; teach methods of conducting environmental research; measure the transfer of water and energy between the atmosphere and polluted Lake Taihu; and analyze the various sources of carbon dioxide and water in the air.

“The emphasis will be on examining science and policy questions relevant to local and regional economic development that, at the same time, have the potential for fundamental theoretical advances,” says Xuhui Lee, professor of meteorology at F&ES.

Jiangsu Province has the second-largest economy in China. Air and water pollution and natural-resource depletion are rampant there as a result of rapid urbanization, road expansion and industrial growth.

“In recognition of these environmental challenges, the central, provincial and municipal governments are seeking policies and regulations that can promote sustainable development in harmony with nature,” says Lianshui Li, president of Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology. “We are very interested in collaborating with Western institutions on environmental research and education.”

Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology was founded in 1960 and offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees to 18,000 students. For more information about the center, visit yncenter.sites.yale.edu.