Never before has the pursuit of advancements in environmental and energy been as crucial to the future of humanity as it is today. With this increased sense of urgency, USC pioneers are ensuring the sustainability of our climate and culture through innovation in energy and environmental research.

One of the world's preeminent scholars of hydrocarbon chemistry, USC professor George Olah won the 1994 Nobel Prize in chemistry in recognition for his groundbreaking work on superacids and carbocations. His research has revolutionized organic chemistry and has led to significant contributions in the development of alternative fuel sources including a methanol-using fuel cell.

Reducing global reliance on fossil fuels is the goal behind the Future Fuels and Energy Initiative at USC. Leveraging the university's research in energy and the environment, the FFEI encourages cross-disciplinary efforts to develop both short and long-range fuel and energy solutions. Projects include exploring the development of transitional fuels, such as methanol and diesel, and creating and evaluating fuel and energy policies for next generation fuels and technologies.

Researchers at the USC Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies are studying the oceans and aquatic ecosystems for novel ways to address global environmental problems.  In one area of research, they are examining how ocean diazotrophs, special bacteria that can use nitrogen gas as a nutrient, might be used to sequester greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.  They are building the understanding that may allow sustainable aquaculture, farming the sea.  In other applications, they are exploring how micro-organisms from nature can clean our waste and generate electricity.  Drawing on biology, geology, economics and engineering, the USC Wrigley Institute is striving to connect research in marine, environmental and geobiology research to the future of our planet

The Keston Institute for Infrastructure, a first for a major research university in California, examines the infrastructure needed to support a population projected to grow substantially by 2020. The institute focuses on issues such as transportation, availability of open space, energy use, and waste treatment and disposal, in order to provide accurate and insightful information that will aid in the development of public policy and innovative solutions.