Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Reposted by Mike Piehler

UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · 23d

The 3rd annual Champion Sustainability Game celebrated sustainable transportation on + around UNC.
@unc-ie.bsky.social @sustainable-unc.bsky.social Director
@mpiehler.bsky.social joined Chancellor Roberts and Mayor Anderson for a half-time show convo!

More: storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/daaf...

The buzz at Carolina: Connecting bees, students and sustainability at Carolina - UNC Institute for the Environment

Reposted by Mike Piehler

UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · Jul 21

“If you think you are too small to make a difference, you’ve never met a honey bee.” - Nathan Halsey '27

Read our latest blog post to learn more about how Halsey is connecting Carolina's pollinators, students and sustainability.

ie.unc.edu/news/the-buz...

“If you think you are too small to make a difference, you’ve never met a honey bee.”

Millions of gallons of sewage flowed into the Eno River. Is it harmful?

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Reposted by Mike Piehler

UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · Jul 17

[email protected] Director @mpiehler.bsky.social weighs in on wastewater contamination during flooding events caused by Tropical Depression Chantal.

Read more ⬇️
www.newsobserver.com/news/local/c...

Experts weigh in on what risk the sewage overflows pose to the environment.

www.newsobserver.com

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Reposted by Mike Piehler

UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · Jul 7

Congratulations to our good friend Hans W. Paerl on his retirement. After nearly 50 years at Carolina, Paerl set aside his beakers of slimy, green algae water and retired at the end of June. Read more about his remarkable life and career. 🔽

ie.unc.edu/news/carolin...

Carolina’s water warrior, Hans W. Paerl retires after nearly 50-year career - UNC Institute for the Environment

After nearly 50 years at Carolina, Hans W. Paerl set aside his beakers of slimy, green algae water.

NC Collaboratory funds critical environmental research - The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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Reposted by Mike Piehler

Amanda Gay DelVecchia @agdelv.bsky.social · Jul 4

Although we typically consider photosynthetic allochthonous and autochthonous carbon in stream food webs, chemoautotrophic sources (ammonia or sulfur oxidation) can contribute substantially, and incorporate ancient C. Recently accepted to FWS, online at www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/10.1086/...

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Reposted by Mike Piehler

UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · Jul 1

“This research benefits the citizens of North Carolina because the marsh problem is not just localized to Currituck Sound. It is across North Carolina and the world." - Troy Walton, senior research associate at @unc-ie.bsky.social.

Read more ⬇️ www.unc.edu/posts/2025/0...

Check out three projects on water quality, lithium mining and marsh restoration that are protecting the state and its residents.

www.unc.edu

Compost, Croissants and Community: A Taste of Freiburg - Sustainable Carolina

Reposted by Mike Piehler

Sustainable Carolina @sustainable-unc.bsky.social · Jun 24

"It’s a regenerative, continuous cycle made possible by community members who care deeply."

When she's not analyzing net zero pathways through her summer internship, Nicole Coursey has found herself spending time in Freiburg's community gardens.

sustainable.unc.edu/2025/06/comp...

Story by Nicky Coursey, our summer 2025 traveling intern.

sustainable.unc.edu

UNC-Chapel Hill, NC State offering free drinking water testing in Buncombe County - UNC Institute for the Environment

Reposted by Mike Piehler

UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · Jun 24

Researchers from UNC-Chapel Hill and NC State are testing drinking water, mold and assessing water security in Buncombe County homes following Hurricane Helene. Testing will take place June 27-28.

Full details ⬇️

ie.unc.edu/news/unc-cha...

Researchers are testing drinking water, mold and assessing water security in Buncombe County homes.

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Reposted by Mike Piehler

UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · Jun 23

Read our latest blog post by #UNC rising senior Hannah Weas about the 2025 Sustainable Triangle Field Site’s study, which makes policy recommendations to establish a connected network of valuable habitats.

Full post 🔽

environmentblog.web.unc.edu/2025/05/sust...

MegaMove Publishes Landmark Global Study showing Where Marine Megafauna Needs Protection - MegaMove

Reposted by Mike Piehler

UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · Jun 18

A new study by researchers at @unc-ie.bsky.social examined two rapidly growing coastal regions and found that water quality patterns and processes varied between them—highlighting the importance of managing water quality in developing coastal areas.

Read more: go.unc.edu/Hm7e3

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Reposted by Mike Piehler

UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · Jun 16

Lindsay Dubbs, director of Carolina's Outer Banks Field Site (OBXFS), is an author on this landmark study published in Science on marine megafauna.

Read more ⬇️

megamove.org/marine-megaf...

MegaMove paper identifies top-priority ocean areas for whales, sharks, turtles & more. Protection still lags.

megamove.org

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Mike Piehler @mpiehler.bsky.social · Jun 11

I also rode the city bus to elementary school (77C Shady Side for yinz old folks), but I think it is clear that that sweet 70s hair got me on Mr. Rogers.

Sustainable Carolina @sustainable-unc.bsky.social · Jun 9

Since he was just a kid growing up in Pittsburgh, @unc-ie.bsky.social‬ Director @mpiehler.bsky.social‬ has enjoyed #sustainable transportation 🚲 He may have even achieved fame on a certain children's television show!

A champion for environment and sustainability, Piehler named Cary C. Boshamer Distinguished Professor - UNC Institute for the Environment

Piehler is a renowned leader in coastal environmental science.

A champion for environment and sustainability, Piehler named Cary C. Boshamer Distinguished Professor - UNC Institute for the Environment

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Reposted by Mike Piehler

Sustainable Carolina @sustainable-unc.bsky.social · Jun 9

Since he was just a kid growing up in Pittsburgh, @unc-ie.bsky.social‬ Director @mpiehler.bsky.social‬ has enjoyed #sustainable transportation 🚲 He may have even achieved fame on a certain children's television show!

Piehler is a renowned leader in coastal environmental science.

Reposted by Mike Piehler

UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · Jun 2

🌱 Our June e-news is out today! Read about the new solar field at the former Horace Williams Airport ☀️

Plus: Honors for @unc-ie.bsky.social's Director @mpiehler.bsky.social and Board of Visitors Members Frances Seymour & more.

Read it here: go.unc.edu/Xn4y5

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Reposted by Mike Piehler

Sustainable Carolina @sustainable-unc.bsky.social · May 21

UNC Research is creativity and intellect.

It's an honor to present the Prize for Excellence in Sustainability Research at the #UNC Office for Undergraduate Research's Celebration of Undergraduate Research.

Discover the impact: www.unc.edu/carolinas-re...

#UNCResearchisNC #UNC #SustainableCarolina

For 26 years, the UNC Office for Undergraduate Research has hosted the Celebration of Undergraduate Research. For three years, UNC OUR has given hashtag#SustainableCarolina the opportunity to award outstanding research related to topics like energy, water, waste, air quality, biodiversity and more.

This year, Sustainable Carolina judged 27 posters for its Prize for Excellence in Sustainability Research. A group of first-year students took home first prize.

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Reposted by Mike Piehler

UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · May 22

UNC Research is rooted in N.C. communities.

When Hurricane Helene devastated communities in western North Carolina, @unc-ie.bsky.social mobilized educators to provide a day of hands-on learning for kids displaced by flooding.

Explore more: www.unc.edu/carolinas-re...

#UNCResearchisNC
#UNC

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Reposted by Mike Piehler

UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · May 20

UNC Research is clean air and water for all.

Researchers at @unc-ie.bsky.social are at the forefront of research that contributes to clean air and clean water for everyone.

Learn how Carolina research serves N.C. and beyond. Visit: www.unc.edu/carolinas-re....

#UNCResearchisNC
#UNC

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Reposted by Mike Piehler

UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · May 19

UNC Research is future-ready leaders.

The @unc-ie.bsky.social helps provide students with the tools, experiences and opportunities to take the study and understanding of the environment to the next level.

Discover the impact: www.unc.edu/carolinas-re...

#UNCResearchisNC
#UNC

A student in graduation robe stands in front of Carolina's Old Well.

Two students hold research tools in a river.

A student installs an audio recording device in nature.

Reposted by Mike Piehler

Sustainable Carolina @sustainable-unc.bsky.social · May 19

UNC Research is excellence in sustainability.

Working under the @unc-ie.bsky.social, #SustainableCarolina provides guidance to capstone courses, the Sustainable Triangle Field Site and campus labs.

Discover the impact: www.unc.edu/carolinas-re...

#UNCResearchisNC #UNC #SustainableCarolina

Five years ago, sustainability at Carolina found a new home in the UNC Institute for the Environment. Sustainable Carolina advances and amplifies efficiency initiatives in campus operations, research and academics.

In 2025, Sustainable Carolina reintroduced its lab sustainability program, piloting it in four labs on the medical side of campus. Any lab can become certified by taking on sustainability measures in their space.

A champion for environment and sustainability, Piehler named Cary C. Boshamer Distinguished Professor - UNC Institute for the Environment

Mike Piehler @mpiehler.bsky.social · May 15

I am honored and humbled by this recognition. I am also exceptionally grateful to all of my amazing collaborators throughout the years.

UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · May 14

🌎 A champion for environment and sustainability, @unc-ie.bsky.social director and @uncchapelhill.bsky.social chief sustainability officer @mpiehler.bsky.social was recently named Cary C. Boshamer Distinguished Professor.

Read more about Piehler's deep Carolina roots and distinguished career.

Piehler is a renowned leader in coastal environmental science.

UNC Sustainability Council

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Reposted by Mike Piehler

Sustainable Carolina @sustainable-unc.bsky.social · May 13

The Carolina Sustainability Council meets this morning. You can stream the spring meeting live or watch it later on the @unc-ie.bsky.social YouTube channel. @mpiehler.bsky.social www.youtube.com/live/YZmT4IA...

YouTube video by UNC Institute for the Environment

www.youtube.com

April Sustainability News

Reposted by Mike Piehler

UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · May 5

📬 Our May e-news hit inboxes this morning! Read about Carolina hosting the Collegiate Drone Racing Championship, the 11th UNC Cleantech Summit, Carolina's research impact and more!

Dive into all these stories at: go.unc.edu/May25News.

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Reposted by Mike Piehler

Sustainable Carolina @sustainable-unc.bsky.social · Apr 29

Classes are over and Earth Month is coming to an end. What a spring its been for sustainability on campus 🌸 @unc-ie.bsky.social @mpiehler.bsky.social

Check out April's #SustainableCarolina newsletter: mailchi.mp/unc/april-25

mailchi.mp