University of Maryland's Center for Integrative Environmental Research (CIER)

The Center for Integrative Environmental Research (CIER) was established in 2006 by the University of Maryland, College Park, as a University-wide Research Center at the School of Public Policy. Researchers and students at CIER are developing strategies and tools to guide policy and investment decisions, particularly to help mitigate climate impacts, adapt to climate change and support sustainability. The Center supports multidisciplinary environmental research and collaboration on local, regional, national and international scales, with a broad network of researchers from the University and other leading organizations.  

In a collaboration with universities in Germany, CIER researchers are conducting dynamic modeling and research with Nordwest 2050, a study to form climate adaptation strategies for critical industries in Northwest Germany, including energy, agriculture and transportation. A related project is being designed for Maryland, which shares similar geography and industries with Northwest Germany.

CIER researchers have performed groundbreaking research on the impacts of climate change on metropolitan infrastructure, namely in Boston.

Also, the Center has assessed the unexamined costs of inaction of addressing climate impacts, including the potential economic impacts of climate change in their report 'The US Economic Impacts of Climate Change and the Costs of Inaction'. (See separate entry in this Clearinghouse for more details.)

Phone: (301) 405-5910

Related Organizations:

• University of Maryland

Related Resources:

• Economic Impacts of Climate Change on Tennessee
• The US Economic Impacts of Climate Change and the Costs of Inaction
• Economic and Environmental Costs of Climate Change: State Case Studies