EPA researchers are exploring and quantifying how natural systems contribute to community health and stability, underpin the economy, and help protect public health. This research is helping communities and decision makers across the nation account for the many benefits that ecosystems provide and calculate the long term risks and benefits of their decisions.

EPA researchers are also helping to rehabilitate sites contaminated with environmental chemicals and toxins. Their work is making these sites safe, productive assets for local communities again.

Sustainability research has emerged as a result of significant concerns about the unintended social, environmental, and economic consequences of rapid population growth, economic growth and consumption of our natural resources. EPA scientists develop theory, tools, and practices to protect human health and the environment, and promote innovative green business practices.

• Science Matters Articles on Ecosystems Research
• Science Matters Articles on Land and Waste Management Research
• Science Matters Articles on Sustainability Research