In 2007, the University of Arizona took over the management of Biosphere 2, the iconic 3.15-acre structure originally built to be a man-made, materially-closed ecological system, and subsequently managed for nearly a decade by Columbia University.
Under its new management, the mission of Biosphere 2 is to serve as a center for research, outreach, teaching and life-long learning about the Earth, its living systems, and its place in the universe. Three scientific entities have been formed to achieve these goals: Biosphere 2, the branch of operations engaged primarily in outreach and tourism; B2 Earthscience, which carries out a number of large-scale experiments on environmental science in the Biosphere 2 glass structure; and B2 Institute, an interdisciplinary think-tank operating from the Biosphere 2 campus and its “student village” conference and housing facilities. All three entities foster interdisciplinary thinking and understanding about the Earth and its future, serve as an adaptive tool for Earth education and outreach to industry, government, and the public, and aim at distilling issues related to Earth systems planning and management for use by policymakers, students and the public.
After describing the unique facilities of the Biosphere 2 campus, the talk will give a broad overview of its present and planned research, education and outreach efforts, before turning to a more detailed discussion of several scientific Grand Challenges, including STEM education and sustainable energy research.
Host: Carol Tanner