Some consumers buy hybrid cars because of the environmental benefits. Others view it more as an economic decision — improved gas mileage, tax rebates, etc.
Pesticides prevent diseases from spreading, protect crops and help control invasive species. But their widespread use causes damage to the environment and human health.
Reverse osmosis is a water purification method that uses a semipermeable membrane to desalinate seawater into drinkable water. While promising, it’s a relatively expensive technology.
Lake Erie provides drinking water to the region, habitat for wildlife, and it’s a mecca for fishing and recreation. However, microbial pollution in the lake threatens human and ecosystem health, as well as local economies and future economic development.
Renewable energy sources such as wind and solar are expected to be integrated into the future electric grid for economic, energy and environmental security.
Across the United States, government agencies and energy developers are looking at agricultural land to develop renewable energy resources, such as wind and solar.
The project brings together a team of engineers, ecologists and policy experts to examine wind farm systems in terms of integrity, performance, ecological impacts and policy issues.
Materials design and discovery hold a critical place in the 21st century economy, with broad impact that spans the transportation, health, microelectronic and renewable energy industries.
The project will focus on mitigating electronic waste (e-waste) through design engineering and market promotion-based solutions that induce “green” behavior from consumers.
Advanced manufacturing will help revitalize Western New York’s economy. But just like 20th century manufacturing, it poses pollution risks, especially to freshwater.
