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Global warming clouds our future. Pollution degrades our air, soil and water. Environmental toxins compromise the health of our children. Misuse threatens the sustainability of our forests, fisheries, wetlands and coasts, and the health of species that live there.

But there is reason for hope.

Through sound science and policy research, we're finding answers to these problems. Airborne lead and acid rain have been dramatically reduced. Industrial water pollution has decreased. Habitats are being preserved.

Faculty members from the Nicholas School of the Environment and Earth Sciences at Duke University are part of the effort to help find these answers and establish new environmental practices and policies to safeguard our natural resources for generations to come.

To contact our experts or learn more about what we're doing in states across the nation, click on the state you're interested in.

Energy
For the first time in its history, Texas uses more energy than it produces. Oil production is decreasing; natural gas production is increasing but reserves are shrinking; and coal use has risen. The once fiercely independent Lone Star State now depends on other states and foreign countries to meet its energy demands, particularly its demand for electricity. Renewable energy sources such as wind power, solar power, biomass energy and hydropower hold promise for the future, but currently are still marginal contributors to the state’s energy mix.

 

 

Contact Information

Ronald Perkins is an expert on hydrocarbon exploration, and recent and ancient carbonate sediments and their industrial applications.
tel: (919) 684-3376  e: rperkins@duke.edu