Unique in depth and breadth, UW has the benefit of strength in all of the key disciplines necessary to address environmental challenges in a comprehensive manner. Our expertise in ocean and atmospheric sciences, climate sciences, forestry, water resources, public health, and environmental policy and law thrives in an atmosphere that encourages exploration, innovation and teamwork.

In the past, the dedication and skill of our scientists, our students and our community partners have allowed us to forecast climate conditions to predict future water supplies in the Pacific Northwest, identify how populations of Pacific salmon are strongly influenced by marine climate variability, significantly improve forest management practices, and provide a solution for the cleanup of Lake Washington. Our work on the environmental challenges of the 21st century has just begun.

Through UWEI, we are increasing our commitment to identify and address environmental challenges through institutional and community partnerships. With your help, UWEI aims to further the knowledge, synthesis and insights that help promote scientifically sound decision making. That knowledge will be applied in our community, around the world and right here in our classrooms, where cutting edge issues progress from the field to the curriculum.

Whether you are a prospective student or parent, a scientist or educator, or a person dedicated to the future of our environment, I invite you to read on about the people and programs that have brought us this far.

And with their successes and your help, the UW will continue to lead the nation in advancing environmental science and policy and help leave a promising legacy for our children and grandchildren.

Sincerely yours,

David S. Battisti
Previous Director, UW Earth Initiative