Research

CCSC Research Areas

Climate Change & Hazards

We investigate federal, state, and local approaches to long-term reduction of natural hazard risks and adaptation to the impacts of climate change. With support from the National Science Foundation and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, CCSC researchers generate novel findings about successes and failures in intergovernmental policy frameworks with implications for theory, practice, and policy. Learn more.

Sustainable Planning and Policy

We investigate innovations and barriers to innovation in local, place-based sustainability efforts. CCSC researchers currently work on projects on the growing phenomenon of settlers voluntarily returning land to Native nations with ancestral ties to the land, a movement captured by the meta-narrative of #LandBack. Learn more.

Compassion, Emotions, and Ethics

We investigate the under-appreciated role of emotions in public service, with particular attention to compassionate ethical orientations. CCSC researchers work on projects in the context of fostering authentic public participation in equity-focused planning processes, re-imagining what it means to be a public service leader, and how to prepare future public servants to effectively work with - rather than against - emotions like anxiety, anger, and grief to promote genuinely flourishing communities. Learn more.

Just Energy Transitions

We investigate the accelerating green energy movement through the lens of promoting just energy futures where all have access to reliable and sustainable energy. CCSC researchers work on a Sloan Foundation funded project conducting a multi-state comparison of local activities and the contextual factors that promote just transitions. We also work on developing new partnerships with government, industry, and community organizations working on transforming Kansas into the green energy capital of the US. Learn more.

 

Working Groups

  • Hazards and Climate Change

    This research team consists of faculty and students who research seeks to reduce short-term and long-term risks from natural hazards like floods and droughts and climate change impacts that exacerbate existing natural hazards. Multiple externally-funded grant projects (NSF, NOAA) examine the networks of people, plans, and policies that shape sustainability and resilience at the local level.

  • Engaged KU

    This pilot program is a partnership between CCSC and the Center for Service Learning. Engaged KU supports interdisciplinary learning about theories, methods, and practical applications of community-engaged learning across different academic and professional fields. More than a half dozen fields at KU are represented by faculty, students and staff who are working with the City of Lawrence Sustainability Office to enhance community engagement around issues of climate justice and compassion. This program began in fall 2019.