Earth and Environment | NSF - U.S. National Science Foundation
Earth and Environment
Exploring the wonders of our planet to preserve its future.
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We support research that untangles the complex relationships between oceans, land and atmosphere, and the crucial impacts humans and other living things have on the planet's well-being.
With backing from NSF, researchers study short-term weather and long-term climate patterns, geology and tectonics, ocean sciences and the rapidly changing polar regions. They explore from the Earth's deep core to the space weather generated by the sun. And they investigate the Earth's past to try to project what the future might hold.
Find funding in earth and environmental science
Directorate for Geosciences
Directorate for Biological Sciences
What we support
Atmospheric sciences
We support research to understand the behavior of the Earth's atmosphere and its interactions with the sun.
Visit the Division of Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences
Earth sciences
We support research to improve understanding of the structure, composition, processes and evolution of the Earth.
Visit the Division of Earth Sciences
Ocean sciences
We support research and education on all aspects of global oceans and their interactions with the earth and the atmosphere.
Visit the Division of Ocean Sciences
Polar research
We support world-class Arctic and Antarctic science through grants, polar facilities and operational support.
Visit the Office of Polar Programs
Environmental biology
We support evolutionary and ecological research on species, populations, communities and ecosystems.
Visit the Division of Environmental Biology
National Ecological Observatory Network
Environmental sustainability
We support
transformative research in sustainable engineering and systems that support the natural environment. Our programs include:
Environmental Engineering
Environmental Sustainability
Human-Environment and Geographical Sciences
Related topics
Disaster risk and resilience
Energy technology
Solar science
Wildland fire
Featured news
Podcast
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Podcast: Increasing domestic critical minerals supplies
NSF Stories
August 8, 2025
NSF invests $29.2 million in EPSCoR Research Infrastructure collaborations for transformative impact across 11 jurisdictions
NSF Stories
June 25, 2025
Chemical process more efficiently converts carbon dioxide to methanol, a chemical used in manufacturing and a potential fuel
Explore earth and environment news
Educational resources
View lesson plans, activities and multimedia for K–12 audiences that focus on exploring environmental and earth sciences.
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