UC Irvine has created a new research institute dedicated to the study of how the environment and society interact. The new endeavor – called the UC Irvine Environment Institute: Global Change, Energy and Sustainable Resources – will bring together scientists from across campus to work on projects specific to these areas. For example, projects could include studying how climate change will alter public health and welfare; whether people will accept the living patterns of green cities; and the environmental impacts of new energy technologies. Michael Prather (pictured), the Fred Kavli Chair and professor of Earth system science, will be the institute’s inaugural director.