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UNC Institute for the Environment

@unc-ie.bsky.social
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The UNC Institute for the Environment is leading UNC's world-renowned environmental community.

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UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · 20h
It’s #NCOysterMonth! Join us in shell-ebrating nature’s treasure chests! Learn more and make your gift today: unc.live/OysterMonth26
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UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
#UNC senior Corey Reaves spent the summer putting environmental science into action with @SoundRiversNC. Read what he learned about water quality, community partnerships and a career in environmental work 👇 ie.unc.edu/news/where-s...
ie.unc.edu
Where science meets community: Lessons from a summer with Sound Rivers - UNC Institute for the Environment
Corey Reaves spent the summer as an intern with Sound Rivers as part of the Institute for the Environment’s Molchanov Scholar program.
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UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
From PFAS and data center growth to chemical policy and land conservation, @unc-ie.bsky.social's second annual Brice Environmental Law Scholars spent the summer tackling real-world environmental challenges across North Carolina. Read more 👇 ie.unc.edu/news/summer-...
ie.unc.edu
Summer reflections from second annual Brice Environmental Law Scholars - UNC Institute for the Environment
This summer, two UNC-Chapel Hill students gained hands-on experience at the intersection of environmental law and policy.
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UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Antonia Sebastian won the @agu.org Natural Hazards Early Career Award! The award recognizes significant early career contributions to natural hazards science. Read more about the honor 👇 ie.unc.edu/news/sebastian
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UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Save the date! Join @unc-ie.bsky.social for a lunch and learn with Reid Wilson, Secretary of NCDEQ! In-person and webinar. CLE for students. 🗓️ Oct. 14, noon 📍 Carolina Square, 2nd Floor, Room 2002 Full details and register now: unc.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...
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UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Urban areas, with their asphalt roads and concrete buildings, absorb and release heat back into the environment at higher rates than the flora and fauna of natural landscapes. The Data-Driven EnviroLab studies how to mitigate it. Read the full story: www.unc.edu/posts/2026/0...
unc.edu
Data-Driven EnviroLab team maps the heat | UNC-Chapel Hill
The lab’s researchers use the data to identify hotspots and find ways to cool them down.
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UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
In the latest installment of "Voices from the Field," @unc-ie.bsky.social Associate Director Susan Cohen reflects on her experiences as manager of the program since 2018. Read the full post 👇 ie.unc.edu/news/voices-...
ie.unc.edu
Voices from the Field: Susan Cohen - UNC Institute for the Environment
Hear from IE Associate Director Susan Cohen about her field site program experiences!
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UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
This summer, eleven UNC-Chapel Hill undergraduate students took their learning beyond the classroom and into communities. Read more about the amazing experiences of our Pavel Molchanov Scholars. 👇 ie.unc.edu/news/meet-th...
ie.unc.edu
Meet the 2026 Pavel Molchanov Scholars - UNC Institute for the Environment
This summer, eleven UNC undergraduate students took their learning beyond the classroom and into communities.
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UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
From the blog: Hear from Olivia Pozytko ’28 on her journey through Germany, Finland and Estonia and how the UNC Burch Field Research Seminar turned classroom learning into inspiration for what comes next. 💙 Read Olivia's full post 👇 ie.unc.edu/news/unc-bur...
ie.unc.edu
UNC Burch Field Research Seminar changed my college career   - UNC Institute for the Environment
Olivia Pozytko is a rising junior at UNC-Chapel Hill studying environmental studies on the sustainability track.
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UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
TOMORROW: Scientists are building tools to help people and the planet deal with hotter days. Join members of UNC’s @datadrivenlab.bsky.social (DDL) for a fire hands-on experience around the challenge of a warmer climate! Full details: moreheadplanetarium.org/calendar/sat...
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UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
In anticipation of our Sustainability Social this Thurs., get to know Langley Smith, program specialist with @sustainable-unc.bsky.social in our latest Q+A! 🌱 ie.unc.edu/news/five-qu...
ie.unc.edu
Five Questions with Langley Smith - UNC Institute for the Environment
Meet Sustainable Carolina's program specialist Langley Smith!
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UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
One week until @sustainable-unc.bsky.social's annual Sustainability Social! Visit tables, learn more and get involved. Refreshments will be served! 🗓️ Thur., Aug. 27 🕖 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. 📍 Student Union Great Hall Full details ⬇️ sustainable.unc.edu/event/2026-s...
sustainable.unc.edu
2026 Sustainability Social - Sustainable Carolina
Sustainable Carolina's signature event brings together University staff and student organizations working in energy, climate, water, waste and more!
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UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
Wilmington’s tidal creeks are getting another look. UNC researchers @annesmiley.bsky.social and @mpiehler.bsky.social share their expertise with the Wilmington Star-News on the health and future of these vital coastal ecosystems. Read more 🔽 www.starnewsonline.com/story/news/e...
starnewsonline.com
Wilmington's 'sick' tidal creeks to get another look | Exclusive
Two of Wilmington's tidal creeks in the heart of the city are struggling due to poor water quality. A new study will look at ways of fixing that.
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UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Happy FDOC, Tar Heels! Today we kick off our "Voices from the Field" series, celebrating the 25th anniversary of our field site program. First up is @mpiehler.bsky.social. Read his reflections here 👇 ie.unc.edu/news/voices-...
ie.unc.edu
Voices from the Field: Mike Piehler on the past, present and future of Carolina’s field site program - UNC Institute for the Environment
Hear from IE Director Mike Piehler about his field site program experiences!
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UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
This semester, we are celebrating the 25th anniversary of Carolina's field sites. See how the program has evolved over the last quarter-century. 👇 ie.unc.edu/news/from-th...
ie.unc.edu
From the mountains to the coast, Carolina celebrates 25 years of environmental field education - UNC Institute for the Environment
This fall marks 25 years of environmental field education at Carolina.
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UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
🦪 It’s time to shell-ebrate the incredible oyster! #NationalOysterDay As global leaders in oyster reef research, Carolina scientists are uncovering how these remarkable bivalve mollusks do even more than we thought! Read more + watch: ie.unc.edu/news/the-inc...
ie.unc.edu
Shell-ebrate National Oyster Day! - UNC Institute for the Environment
Oyster research at UNC is driving new opportunities for NC's workforce, economy and coastal health.
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UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
Read this special edition of our August e-news to see where Carolina students learn by doing—from the mountains to the coast and beyond. Read it here: ie.unc.edu/latest_news/...
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UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
From the blog: The best classroom has no walls. Dive into one student's story of discovery and the lessons only a coral reef can teach. #UNC senior Lucas Pisciotta writes about his Maymester experience in St. John. Read it here 👇 ie.unc.edu/news/beneath...
ie.unc.edu
Beneath the surface: What a coral reef taught me that a classroom never could - UNC Institute for the Environment
Lucas Pisciotta is a rising senior at UNC-Chapel Hill, from Raleigh, North Carolina. He is double majoring in biology and medical anthropology with a minor in environmental science.
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UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
Sustainability Analyst Melanie Elliott is giving incoming students an electric bus tour of Carolina's hidden sustainability features. Read more 👇 sustainable.unc.edu/2026/06/sust...
sustainable.unc.edu
Sustainable Carolina to offer sustainability bus ride to students attending orientation - Sustainable Carolina
For the first time, Sustainable Carolina will offer narrated bus tours to students and families attending summer orientation at UNC.
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UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
Do you know what to do when you lose power? Noah Kittner, director of IE's Energy Transition Initiative, offers tips for finding the right backup to keep your home running. Read more. apnews.com/article/clim...
apnews.com
Battery bank or generator? How to choose the best backup power for your home during an outage
From portable battery banks and generators to larger home systems, there are many backup power choices to consider as extreme weather ramps up and outages happen more often and last longer.
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UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
Nine UNC students spent the spring semester designing and carrying out their own research project, examining indoor air quality in dorms. They partnered with Chapel Hill-based IotaComm, who provided and helped install air quality sensors. Read more. ie.unc.edu/news/student...
ie.unc.edu
Students investigate indoor air quality in UNC residence halls through Sustainable Triangle Field Site - UNC Institute for the Environment
From developing a research question to communicating findings, students get hands-on experience.
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UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
A staff favorite! The Carolina Beekeeping Club allows students to learn about sustainability and protecting honeybees. Read and watch! www.unc.edu/posts/2025/1...
unc.edu
Have you heard the buzz? | UNC-Chapel Hill
The Carolina Beekeeping Club allows students to learn about sustainability and protecting honeybees.
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UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
What do data centers and PFAS have in common? They were all part of UNC senior Katie Fear's hands-on learning experience as a geospatial intern with the @selc.bsky.social through the UNC Ecostudio program. Read more about her work 👇 ie.unc.edu/news/data-ce...
ie.unc.edu
Data centers and PFAS: Interning with the Southern Environmental Law Center through UNC’s EcoStudio - UNC Institute for the Environment
Katie Fear is a 2026 graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill and a Morehead-Cain Scholar from Llandovery, Wales.
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UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
A groundbreaking hybrid modeling tool developed by researchers at the @unc-ie.bsky.social and Abt Global, LLC for the state of New York estimates and quantifies the potential air pollution health co-benefits of decarbonization policies. Read more ⬇️ ie.unc.edu/news/new-air...
ie.unc.edu
New air quality model for analyzing New York energy policy demonstrates nearly double the potential health benefits from economy-wide emission reductions compared to existing tools - UNC Institute for...
New study provides localized insights not previously represented in other models.
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UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
Meet Brian Naess ’01, GIS analyst and lecturer here at @unc-ie.bsky.social! Naess has been part of IE for 25 years, starting out as assistant director of the Albemarle Ecological Field Site (AEFS). Read more about what he's been up to👇 ie.unc.edu/news/five-qu...
ie.unc.edu
Five Questions with Brian Naess '01 - UNC Institute for the Environment
Meet GIS analyst and lecturer Brian Naess!
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Reposted by UNC Institute for the Environment
Eos @eos.org · 04/06/2026
Oysters are even better at cleaning up coastal water than we thought, according to new research from @annesmiley.bsky.social of @unc-ie.bsky.social. Comments by Rachel Smith from @ucsantabarbara.bsky.social, story by @lisasgardiner.bsky.social eos.org/articles/oys...
eos.org
Oysters Clean Up More Nitrogen Pollution Than We Thought - Eos
New research has revealed that significant amounts of excess nitrogen in coastal waters are buried as oyster reefs grow and that some reefs trap more nitrogen than others.
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Reposted by UNC Institute for the Environment
Lisa S Gardiner @lisasgardiner.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
I love a story about small, understated creatures that make a big difference in the world, so this one was a joy to write. Thanks to the oysters and the scientists who study them! @annesmiley.bsky.social @unc-ie.bsky.social #scicomm #MarineLife #ocean #ecology #restoration
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UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
While on his summer tour of N.C., Chancellor Lee Roberts made stops along the coast, which included marsh areas and living shorelines and featured a variety of Carolina projects that are protecting the state's environment, economy and people. Read more 🔽 www.unc.edu/posts/2026/0...
unc.edu
Tar Heel researchers share their work with chancellor on the coast | UNC-Chapel Hill
As part of his eastern North Carolina tour, Lee H. Roberts learned about projects on a boat tour and at the UNC Institute of Marine Sciences.
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UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
From the blog: See how #UNC student researcher Ariana Cotton investigated environmental quality and developed her skills to have real-world impact on campus through the Sustainable Triangle Field Site over the spring semester. Read it here 🔽 ie.unc.edu/news/gaining...
ie.unc.edu
Gaining the skills to have real-world impact: Limitless possibilities for change and growth in the 2026 Sustainable Triangle Field Site - UNC Institute for the Environment
Ariana Cotton is a junior at UNC-Chapel Hill from Memphis, Tennessee.
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UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
From the blog: Protecting communities means understanding both environmental and financial risk. A closer look at flood resilience research at #UNC by UNC student researcher Olivia Payne. Read the full post 👇 ie.unc.edu/news/flood-r...
ie.unc.edu
Flood risk and financial resilience: Reflections on my research experience at UNC - UNC Institute for the Environment
Olivia Payne is a junior at UNC-Chapel Hill from Etowah, North Carolina. She is double-majoring in Environmental Studies and Public Policy and is an undergraduate student researcher with UNC’s Institu...
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UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
Though world-renowned #UNC researcher and professor Hans W. Paerl retired in June 2025, his legacy will continue to make waves at Carolina and throughout the state for years to come. Read more 👇 ie.unc.edu/news/paerl-c...
ie.unc.edu
Paerl cements legacy in North Carolina history with Order of the Long Leaf Pine recognition - UNC Institute for the Environment
Hans Paerl inducted into North Carolina’s Order of the Long Leaf Pine.
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UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
County ordinances play a key role in whether large-scale solar projects advance or stall in the U.S. Read more about the latest research out of Carolina. ie.unc.edu/news/new-car...
ie.unc.edu
New Carolina research decodes how county ordinances shape large-scale solar development in the U.S.  - UNC Institute for the Environment
A new study examines county-level ordinances on the development of large-scale solar projects.
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UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
The incredible oyster! 🦪 Oyster research at #UNC is driving new opportunities for North Carolina’s workforce, economy and coastal health. Read more + watch: ie.unc.edu/news/the-inc... @mpiehler.bsky.social @annesmiley.bsky.social
ie.unc.edu
The incredible oyster: Researchers uncover new benefits - UNC Institute for the Environment
Oyster research at UNC is driving new opportunities for NC's workforce, economy and coastal health.
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UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
From the blog: #UNC data science student Perry Holtzclaw dives into how North Carolina is navigating the massive energy needs of data centers and the move toward a renewable grid. Read her takeaways from the 2026 UNC Cleantech Summit 🔽 ie.unc.edu/news/learnin...
ie.unc.edu
Learning at the UNC Clean Tech Summit: The intersection of renewable energy generation and data center construction - UNC Institute for the Environment
Perry Holtzclaw is a junior at UNC-Chapel Hill majoring in Data Science with minors in Sustainability and Public Policy.  Perry is from Mercer Island, Washington. By Perry Holtzclaw ’27 Finding an Int...
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UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
Carolina's Provost Magnus Egerstedt shared a love letter to the public research university, brought to life with a mural installed in Porthole Alley. @unc-ie.bsky.social researcher @annesmiley.bsky.social is featured in the mural holding a sediment core. provost.unc.edu/love-letter-...
provost.unc.edu
Love Letter to the Public Research University - Office of the Provost
By Magnus Egerstedt, executive vice chancellor and provost The public research university is a living, breathing civic institution. One that believes knowledge, access and opportunity belong to the pu...
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UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
Iconic.
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UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
Surprise! We've turned the iconic Bell Tower from Carolina blue to green for Earth Day! 🌎 💚 If you’re in the area, snap a picture and let us know how you are celebrating Earth Day. @sustainable-unc.bsky.social @mpiehler.bsky.social
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UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
Happy Earth Day 🌎! Today, we celebrate the planet and the people who will care for it in the future. At @unc-ie.bsky.social, that celebration includes a commitment to K-12 education that sparks curiosity, builds knowledge and empowers learners. Support our work: unc.live/EarthMonth26
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UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
North Carolina is proving that clean energy isn’t just good for the planet—it’s smart business. A new report, highlighted by the Gov.'s office, by @unc-ie.bsky.social @datadrivenlab.bsky.social shows the economic impact of companies in N.C. with net-zero targets. Read more 🔽 go.unc.edu/y6L9N
go.unc.edu
Governor Stein Spotlights North Carolina’s Leadership in the Clean Energy Economy in Davidson
Today Governor Josh Stein joined business leaders for a tour of Trane Technologies’ energy-efficient HVAC system training facility and a discussion on North…
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UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
Happy Earth Week, Tar Heels! Join us TODAY for the Festival on the Green Roof hosted by @sustainable-unc.bsky.social. It is our annual celebration of students’ sustainability accomplishments. Get your Earth Day swag and join the fun! 📍 Chase Plaza 🗓 April 20 ⏰ 3-6 p.m.
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UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · 17/04/2026
WATCH: @unc-ie.bsky.social Director @mpiehler.bsky.social led a panel on the environmental aspects of AI at #UNC's inaugural AI for Public Good Conference. He talks about the AI revolution in this recap of the event. youtu.be/QdC7bZK0WbM?...
youtu.be
Carolina hosts inaugural AI for Public Good Conference
YouTube video by University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · 15/04/2026
Earth Day is almost here! Join us next week for the Festival on the Green Roof hosted by @sustainable-unc.bsky.social. It is our annual celebration of students’ sustainability accomplishments throughout the year. 📍 Chase Plaza 🗓 April 20 ⏰ 3-6 p.m. Full details: sustainable.unc.edu/event/festiv...
sustainable.unc.edu
Festival on the Green Roof - Sustainable Carolina
The Festival on the Green Roof is our annual celebration of our student’s sustainability accomplishments throughout the year. Join us in Chase Plaza for a Carolina Dining Services Farm Stand, Earth Da...
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UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · 15/04/2026
Ever wondered what happens to historic trees when they come down on campus? Read how the Carolina Tree Heritage program at @unc-ie.bsky.social partners with UNC Facilities Services to salvage the wood and create beautiful and functional pieces of art. www.unc.edu/posts/2026/0...
unc.edu
Carolina Tree Heritage program salvages historic wood | UNC-Chapel Hill
These photos show how woodworkers give old trees new legacies in locations across campus.
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UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · 15/04/2026
Earlier this week, UNC hosted its inaugural AI for Public Good Conference. A panel on the environment included researchers from @unc-ie.bsky.social. Read more about Carolina's role in harnessing this fast-moving technology 🔽 www.unc.edu/posts/2026/0...
unc.edu
Welcome to vibe coding and pumping the brakes | UNC-Chapel Hill
Carolina’s first AI for Public Good Conference offered cutting edge views on the future of artificial intelligence to nearly 600 attendees.
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UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · 13/04/2026
🌎 Earth Month is a time to celebrate the people and ideas making Carolina more sustainable. At the heart of it all is @sustainable-unc.bsky.social. This month, we’re celebrating the progress and building what comes next. 💚 Make your gift now: unc.live/EarthMonth26
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UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · 08/04/2026
From policy to innovation, the UNC Cleantech Summit brought nearly 1,100 people to Chapel Hill to tackle the future of clean technology. 🌍 See the highlights here: ie.unc.edu/news/2026-cl...
ie.unc.edu
2026 Cleantech Summit draws nearly 1,100 to advance the future of clean technology  - UNC Institute for the Environment
Nearly 1,100 cleantech leaders gathered at UNC for the 12th annual UNC Cleantech Summit.
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UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · 06/04/2026
Earth Month is here! And the Carolina community is coming together for UNC-Chapel Hill’s inaugural Earth Month crowdfunding campaign—a campus-wide effort to support innovative environmental initiatives across the University. Learn more + give: unc.live/EarthMonth26
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UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · 25/03/2026
Oysters’ ability to remove nitrogen may be more valuable than previously estimated, a new UNC study finds. Read more: ie.unc.edu/news/oysters... @annesmiley.bsky.social
ie.unc.edu
Oysters’ ability to remove nitrogen may be more valuable than previously estimated, UNC study finds  - UNC Institute for the Environment
New findings, published today in PLOS One, have important implications for oyster reef design.
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UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · 23/03/2026
Get ready for a day like no other, #GiveUNC is TOMORROW! Be a part of something bigger. Join thousands of Tar Heels in making a difference for UNC and give early today. Give now: go.unc.edu/s8QLg
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UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · 16/03/2026
Save the date, Tar Heels! GiveUNC, Carolina's annual day of giving, is happening March 24. Support the people, programs and places that make Carolina special. Get ready to make an impact. Ready to make your mark on March 24? Learn more: giveunc.unc.edu/cause/unc-in...
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