 Since the 1950s the human population has nearly tripled, from 2.5 billion people to 6.5 billion people. The human population continues to grow, often at the expense of the Earth's resources. To protect the resources that we all depend on- air, water, energy, and food- society needs environmental stewardship that is backed by strong science.
For nearly a quarter of a century, the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies has been working to understand the ecosystems that support life. Our scientists are leaders in the field of ecology. Their research programs address a spectrum of key environmental issues, from links between ecology and disease to the protection of freshwater resources.
As an independent not-for-profit, we are in a unique position to provide unbiased data on critical environmental issues. Acid rain research pioneered here was instrumental in the creation of protective Clean Air Act Amendments. Now, as society faces climate change, urban sprawl, and declining supplies of freshwater, policy makers can look to us for similar leadership and recommendations.
Ultimately, the work performed by our staff will help shape the type of world we leave for future generations. Decades from now, will young people enjoy and experience the wonders of nature with its full diversity? Will the human population benefit from the services that forests, rivers, and agricultural fields provide? Will the environment be a healthy place for us to live?
The Cary Institute aims to serve the region, the nation, and the world-
fulfilling the demand for scientific excellence as a basis for effective environmental policy.
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