The Atkinson Center for a Sustainable Future is a research center at Cornell University that is dedicated to solving the world’s most pressing sustainability challenges. The center brings together experts from a variety of disciplines, including engineering, science, business, and policy, to develop innovative solutions that can be implemented at scale.
The Atkinson Center is a member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), a global organization that works to conserve the world’s natural resources. The IUCN is a neutral forum for governments, businesses, non-governmental organizations, and local communities to come together to discuss and develop solutions to environmental challenges.
The Atkinson Center’s relationship with the IUCN is mutually beneficial. The center provides the IUCN with access to Cornell’s world-class research and expertise, while the IUCN helps the center to connect with stakeholders around the world and to influence global policy.
Specifically, the Atkinson Center and the IUCN collaborate on a number of projects, including:
- The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, which is the world’s most comprehensive inventory of the conservation status of plants and animals. The Atkinson Center provides data and analysis to the Red List, which helps to inform conservation decisions around the world.
- The IUCN World Conservation Congress, which is the world’s largest gathering of conservation experts. The Atkinson Center sends delegates to the Congress to share its research and to advocate for policies that support sustainability.
- The IUCN Green Economy Initiative, which promotes economic development that is compatible with environmental protection. The Atkinson Center provides research and analysis to the Green Economy Initiative, which helps to inform policy makers around the world.
The Atkinson Center and the IUCN are committed to working together to create a more sustainable future for the planet. By sharing their resources and expertise, they are helping to make a difference in the fight against climate change, biodiversity loss, and other environmental challenges.