Science for the future of our planet

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Cary Institute researches the environmental issues you care about.

Because you can't make the world better without knowing how it works.

Advancing science-based solutions.

The Cary Approach

Science for uncertain times.

Climate Change & Ecology

Sharing our science with the world.

Communicating Science

Rethinking forest carbon offsets

How much do markets for forest carbon offsets further goals to become carbon-neutral? Cary's Charlie Canham examined current practices and concludes "the flaws in the markets are structural and deep, and may be irredeemable."

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In the tropics, nitrogen-fixing trees take a hit from herbivores
Press Release
To Be Equitable, US Urban Green Infrastructure Planning Must Transform
Press Release
Exposure to past temperature variability may help forests cope with climate change
Media Coverage
Animal reservoirs—where the next SARS-CoV-2 variant could arise

Our Expertise

Disease Ecology
To protect people from diseases that originate in wildlife and livestock – such as Ebola, Zika, and Lyme – we are unraveling the environmental conditions that amplify disease risk and developing tools to predict and prevent their spread.
Freshwater
We are studying streams, rivers, and lakes across the US and around the world to understand how they are responding to threats like climate change, salinization, algal blooms, and novel contaminants. Our findings guide effective management.
Forests
Forests provide essential services, such as clean air and water and carbon storage – but they are under threat. We are studying the effects of invasive pests and pathogens, biomass energy, pollution, and forestry practices to inform sound forest management.
Urban Ecology
Sustainable cities support the health of residents and the environment. We are working to understand the urban ecosystem and develop nature-based solutions to combat challenges brought about by climate change.

OUR IMPACT

Local roots. Global reach.

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Science for the future of our planet

Cary Institute researches the environmental issues you care about.

Rethinking forest carbon offsets

Latest News

In the tropics, nitrogen-fixing trees take a hit from herbivores

To Be Equitable, US Urban Green Infrastructure Planning Must Transform

Exposure to past temperature variability may help forests cope with climate change

Animal reservoirs—where the next SARS-CoV-2 variant could arise

Our Expertise

Disease Ecology

Freshwater

Forests

Urban Ecology

OUR IMPACT

Local roots. Global reach.

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