Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies

Tech

Datacenter overlayed on paper texture over top of forest and grassland

What We Don’t Know (Yet)

You have questions about the environmental impacts of data centers. Our experts do, too.

December 15, 2025

Pit mining in Australia.

Minerals, Modern Life, and the Future of Society

To safeguard our democracy, we need to dig deep — and reach for the stars.

December 15, 2025

Small roads criss-crossing the Amazon rainforest.

Every Pixel Tells a Story

Amintas Brandão Jr. works daily to protect and preserve his community — even though he’s thousands of miles away.

December 15, 2025

Circuit board chip close up.

How to Be Sust(AI)nable

Four tips for using artificial intelligence responsibly and sustainably.

December 15, 2025

Categories

Sections

Subscribe

Sign up to receive the latest Commons articles right in your inbox.

The Commons

The Commons is the flagship publication from UW–Madison’s the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies.

Browse Sections Subscribe

Website feedback, questions or accessibility issues: webmaster@nelson.wisc.edu

Learn more about accessibility at UW–Madison

Privacy Notice | © 2026 Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System