The 2023 Ideas Lab addressed the urgent challenges of climate change through its workshop, titled “Biological Systems on the Edge.” It explored Nature-based Solutions (NbS) to mitigate climate change, such as protecting and restoring forests, managing land sustainably, and creating green urban spaces.

The overarching goal is to find strategies that can reduce emissions and enhance carbon stores without negatively impacting biodiversity or social justice.

Leadership Team

The 2023 Ideas Lab was guided by a distinguished leadership team comprised of the following U-M faculty:

• Peter Reich, Ph.D. Director of the Institute for Global Change Biology
• Joshua Newell, Ph.D. Professor of Environment and Sustainability
• Arun Agrawal, Ph.D. Professor of Environment and Sustainability
• Iñés Ibáñez, Ph.D. Professor of Ecosystem Science and Management
• Joseph Eisenberg, Ph.D. Professor of Epidemiology and Global Public Health
• Ivette Perfecto, Ph.D. Professor of Ecosystem Science and Management