Leading the Climate Project at MIT

Dear members of the MIT community,

I am thrilled to return to campus to lead the Climate Project at MIT. As I get started in this role, I want to share some of my thinking – and invite you to meet me and our team next month.

Thinking about energy and climate

The world faces escalating challenges from climate change, as rising temperatures fuel more frequent weather extremes and threaten ecosystems, livelihoods, and human well-being. As I saw every day in my previous role as director of the Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy, since the energy sector accounts for approximately three-quarters of global greenhouse gas emissions, climate change is largely an energy problem. By addressing these twin challenges – developing and deploying clean, affordable, reliable energy solutions while abating greenhouse gas emissions – we can build a healthy, resilient, and sustainable future for all. In that spirit, after discussions about my recent experience, my new role, and my ability to be effective in it, President Kornbluth and I agreed that it makes sense to modify my title to Vice President for Energy and Climate.

Our shared strengths and the role of MIT

The MIT community’s depth of expertise in both energy and climate are what give me optimism and hope that we can lead the way, along with our partners, on this significant undertaking. The Institute’s history makes clear that when we harness and focus our collective strengths and knowledge, we are able to drive remarkable progress. The Climate Project is our opportunity to develop leading-edge solutions to tackle climate change. The magnitude of this challenge will call for collaboration across our community, new partnerships inside and outside of MIT, and transformational ideas every step of the way. With your talent, passion, and perseverance, I am confident that we can build a more vibrant future together.

Connecting with the campus

Since the launch, our faculty mission directors and our team have established the foundation for the Climate Project. Now, building on their momentum, I would like to invite you to join us from 3–5 p.m. on Tuesday, May 6, in Eastman Court. We will be there to share updates, exchange ideas, and help make connections within the community so we can work toward our goals.

Learn more and RSVP at the Climate Project website.

This gathering is just a start. Through the fall, I will be arranging focused conversations across the campus to share our progress and ask for your feedback.

I hope to see many of you on May 6.

Sincerely,

Evelyn Wang
Vice President for Energy and Climate