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Earth Day

PNNL Celebrates Earth Day

For more than half a century, the world has celebrated Earth Day on April 22. Earth Day is the largest global observation of an environmental movement designed to promote human action, volunteerism, and policy change. This year's theme is Invest in our Planet.

At Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, researchers are working to improve our understanding of the most pressing challenges facing the United States and the world. Hundreds of PNNL scientists are tasked with answering some of the most significant questions about Earth systems, including plants, the atmosphere, subsurface zones, terrestrial aquatics, and coastal areas. PNNL leads research in climate change and atmospheric systems and is developing a modeling framework to predict changes in climate.

Our research and development focuses on decarbonizing our energy system by maximizing energy efficiency, improving carbon management solutions, advancing sustainable transportation and integrating renewable energy into a modernized power grid enabled by energy storage. These renewable energy resources, including hydropower, wind energy, solar photovoltaics, marine energy, and geothermal energy, will aid the nation in achieving a clean energy future. These renewable energy resources include hydropower, wind energy, solar photovoltaics, marine energy, and geothermal energy and aid the nation in climate security awareness and in achieving a sustainable energy future.

Below, learn about research we've conducted to better understand and invest in the Earth. 

New research from scientists at PNNL finds that a warmer future will drive the most extreme winter storms in the Western United States to grow even wetter and larger.
Batteries for the grid are the key to storing electricity generated from renewable sources. PNNL has developed next-generation redox flow batteries, ideal for grid storage because they can be easily scaled to store more energy.

Earth Day Related Stories

APRIL 21, 2023
Director's Column

PNNL’s Spin on Earth Day Science and Technology Innovations

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Photo of a researcher holding up a small container.
APRIL 18, 2023
News Release

Recycled Aluminum Offers Energy, Emissions and Electric Vehicle Battery Range Savings

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Aluminum auto parts microstructure
APRIL 7, 2023
News Release

More Frequent Hurricanes Raise Risk to U.S. East and Gulf Coasts

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This image depicts North America, showing an illustrated hurricane forming over the Gulf of Mexico.
APRIL 3, 2023
Research Highlight

The Role of Riverbank Microbes in Carbon and Nitrogen Cycling

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Graphic illustrating the hyporheic zone of a river
MARCH 14, 2023
Research Highlight

Surveying Earth’s Diverse Microbial Communities and their Metabolite Profiles

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An image of the world
FEBRUARY 23, 2023
News Release

Plastic Upcycling to Close the Carbon Cycle

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Plastic upcycling converts plastic bags to fuel
DECEMBER 12, 2022
Spotlight

Closing the Gaps for Offshore Wind Energy

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Turbines in water against sunset
JANUARY 27, 2023
Research Highlight

Thawing Permafrost Reveals Unique RNA Virus Community

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A picture of Alaskan permafrost environment
FEBRUARY 7, 2023
News Release

New Sodium, Aluminum Battery Aims to Integrate Renewables for Grid Resiliency

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Sodium aluminum battery and renewable energy storage for the grid
JANUARY 23, 2023
News Release

Scientists Unveil Least Costly Carbon Capture System to Date

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PNNL scientist David Heldebrant holds a glass bottle holding a clear liquid.
DECEMBER 30, 2022
Spotlight

Net-Zero Report Highlights Decarbonization Pathways for Five Countries

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Photograph of wind turbines in a warm colored haze
NOVEMBER 9, 2022
Spotlight

DOE National Laboratories Identify Equity and Justice Opportunities

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eeej summit

Research topics

Earth & Coastal Sciences
Atmospheric Science
Environmental Management
Subsurface Science
Ecosystem Science
Sustainable Energy
Renewable Energy

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