School Notes: School of the Environment
January/February 2025

New endowed chairs in environmental justice recognize inclusivity efforts

In recognition of their pioneering work in fostering inclusivity and equity in the environmental movement, YSE Professors Dorceta Taylor and Gerald Torres were honored with the first endowed chairs in environmental justice. Taylor was named the Wangari Maathai Professor of Environmental Justice, while Torres was named the Dolores Huerta and Wilma Mankiller Professor of Environmental Justice.

“While climate change affects all of us, it doesn’t impact all of us equally. To be effective, climate research policies and ultimately climate solutions must be equitable. Solutions and policies need to be developed, evaluated, and then implemented by those who have an understanding of environmental justice issues,” Dean Indy Burke said. “These two professors’ teaching has formed the foundation of our environmental justice curricula and has helped draw talented students from across the US and internationally who are eager to learn from them.”

Assessing the environmental impacts of biodegradable microplastics

Over 20 million tons of plastic are estimated to end up in the environment every year, with much of it breaking down into microplastics that are harmful to the health of humans and wildlife. Biodegradable and bio-based plastics made from organic material are often touted as more sustainable alternatives, but until now, scientists haven’t had the tools to assess the impact of biodegradable plastics that are not disposed of properly.

A team of researchers from the Center for Industrial Ecology at the Yale School of Environment recently developed a first-of-its-kind life-cycle assessment methodology to quantify the climate change and ecotoxicity impacts of biodegradable microplastics in the natural environment. The study, published in Nature Chemical Engineering, was led by postdoctoral associate Zhengyin Piao and coauthored by Yuan Yao, associate professor of industrial ecology and sustainable systems, and doctoral student Amma Asantewaa Agyei Boakye ’20MEM.