Penn Center for Science,
Sustainability, and the Media
In today’s fraught media environment, communicating policy-relevant science is more challenging than ever, and nowhere is this more evident than in the public discourse over human-caused climate change. The Penn Center for Science, Sustainability, and the Media focuses on the challenges and opportunities in communicating climate and environmental sustainability to the public and policymakers.
Remembering Dr. Joe Romm
The Penn Center for Science Sustainability and the Media shares news of the passing of PCSSM Senior Research Fellow and climate communicator Dr. Joe Romm.
Be the first to hear our latest events, news, and research!
Sign up here for our newsletter!
Upcoming Events
HIGHLIGHTS FROM PCSSM
Commentary
No One Likes Data Center Noise Pollution – The Zoo Animals Won’t Either
Recently, the Nashville Zoo has made headlines for opposing the proposed data center that would be built near animal habitats. The zoo had planned to eventually buy part of the land for a future education and conservation center. In addition to concerns of other environmental impacts, the question of noise pollution from data centers
Challenges and Opportunities in Today’s Climate Communication Space
On September 22, 2025, Dr. Michael Mann and the Penn Center for Science, Sustainability, and the Media headed to New York City to kick off the first day of New York Climate Week, the world’s largest climate event.
PCSSM at New York Climate Week: Key Takeaways and Finding Pathways Forward
On September 22, 2025, Dr. Michael Mann and the Penn Center for Science, Sustainability, and the Media headed to New York City to kick off the first day of New York Climate Week, the world’s largest climate event.
News
Remembering Dr. Joe Romm
It is with great sadness that the Penn Center for Science, Sustainability and the Media shares news of the passing of PCSSM Senior Research Fellow Dr. Joe Romm. Please find below an obituary prepared by his cousin, Dean Grodzins. Joseph J. Romm, a physicist who was among the most influential leaders in the nation’s fight against global warming, died unexpectedly at the age of 66 at his home in Washington, DC. He became, through his …
Schools Must Adapt to Extreme Heat in a Warming World
Press release from the American Psychological Association on August 12, 2026. PCSSM Senior Fellow Dr. Kate Staley is a co-author of this report. Schools Must Adapt to Extreme Heat in a Warming World New report finds extreme heat in pre-K through 12 schools harms learning and health, offers recommendations to mitigate the damage. WASHINGTON – Extreme heat waves pose a growing threat to learning, health and well-being in schools as extreme heat becomes more frequent …
Alumni Spotlight: Maya Halma
Originally published on July 13, 2026 by Jason Klein for Penn Climate. Maya Halma is a 2026 graduate of the Master of Environmental Studies (MES) program at the University of Pennsylvania, where she concentrated in environmental sustainability. Before coming to Penn, she earned bachelor’s degrees in communication and social influence and Spanish from Temple University. She now works at the Water Center at Penn as a research and communication specialist. For her capstone research, Maya …