New study shows soil as significant carbon sequestration driver

As harmful atmospheric carbon dioxide levels continue to increase, understanding the planetary carbon balance has become the single most important scientific question. A new report by two leading ecological scientists at Arizona State University quantified the global soil carbon sequestered by roots plus the amount leached into the soil. They revealed that climate and land-use are major influencers of belowground carbon sequestration.

The Inter-Parliamentary Union and the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory at Arizona State University are co-hosting an informal panel debate for International Day of Democracy. Can parliaments learn from the past six months to become stronger and more effective institutions that impose checks and balances on executive powers to better serve the people? Registrants can attend live and will also receive a recording after the event.

What has the pandemic taught us about the inequities cemented into our city streets and transit systems, and where do we go from here? On Sept. 22, join ASU and Instituto Mexicano para la Competitividad for a discussion of the future of urban mobility.

Sept. 15: Join the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory for a panel discussion with members of the Oxford Poverty & Human Development Initiative team working on advancement and implementation of the Global Multidimensional Poverty Index. Learn about the MPI and gain insights into the personal perspective of key figures working around the world to address the missing dimensions of poverty in global development policy and practice.

When FABRIC, Tempe's fashion incubator, learned of the urgent PPE shortage, they stepped up and to date have sewn over 200,000 reusable isolation gowns that meet FDA regulations. Join us Sept. 15 (1-2 p.m.) for a virtual talk with 2 business & fashion innovators from FABRIC.

ASU faculty, staff and students are invited to register for the livestream of the 2020 Global Governance Forum, Sept 16-18. The event features a session moderated by GFL’s Amanda Ellis at 9am AZ time on Sept 18.

The Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory has signed on as a host institution for this year’s Global Conference on Sustainability in Higher Education. As a host institution, we have unlimited registration passes for the ASU community. Sign up to gain free access to this great event.

Sarah Porter of the Kyl Center for Water Policy breaks down the reality of the current state of Arizona's water supply as Arizona receives second reduction of Colorado River water in two years.

American cities represent part of the nation’s long and grim history of discrimination and oppression against Black people. According to sustainability scientists Mark Roseland and Christopher Boone, cities can also be part of the recovery from all that harm.

At a time of increasing challenges around the globe, successful responses and solutions depend on recognizing the complexity and interconnectedness of the Earth’s systems, both natural and societal. In response to current crises and driven by the belief in making positive, substantive advances, ASU announced this week the launch of a laboratory dedicated to keeping our planet habitable and enhancing the options for future generations to thrive.

The Global Futures Research Accelerator launched on September 4, 2020. The inaugural cohort includes 28 faculty participants representing 13 college-level units across all four metropolitan ASU campuses. The faculty have diverse expertise across the sciences, engineering, humanities, and social sciences.

The time has come for the DoD to reimagine its usage, generation, transportation, and storage of energy. Submit your ideas: big, small, ambitious, conservative, terrestrial and space-based – all are welcomed and encouraged.