Climate and Incarceration Research Collective (CIRCol)
Research to end inhumane incarceration in a changing climate
About
Our mission
CIRCol is a national research collective working to decrease incarceration and end the inhumane conditions at the convergence of climate change, hazards, and systemic racial injustice in the carceral system — from extreme heat and cold to flooding, wildfire smoke, and failing infrastructure.
Approach
Our approach
We work for structural and cultural change through knowledge production, dissemination, and action. Our aim is to influence the well-being of those incarcerated and the broader society in relation to harm, exploitation, and inequality exacerbated by climate change and hazardous conditions.
Following the lead of our partners with lived expertise, we conduct interdisciplinary investigations at the convergence of social, physical, and ecological systems. While we consider impacts across all social groups, we focus our analysis on particularly marginalized demographics and systems of racial, gender, sexual, and class inequality.
Our Work
Four pillars of the work
CIRCol organizes its work across four connected pillars, each grounded in partnership with directly impacted communities and advocacy organizations, including the 85 to Stay Alive Campaign.
Community & Engagement
Building sustained partnerships with directly impacted people, families, and community organizations. Convening lived-experience researchers as co-designers of the work through Community Advisory Boards and participatory research.
Research
Interdisciplinary investigation of climate and environmental hazards inside carceral facilities — extreme heat and cold, flooding, wildfire smoke, aging infrastructure, and toxic surroundings. Producing peer-reviewed evidence that informs legal, legislative, and public advocacy.
Training & Advocacy
Preparing formerly incarcerated researchers, family members, and allied advocates to translate research into action. Supporting community-led campaigns, coalition building, and public testimony that centers those most affected.
State & National Policy
Working with partners to secure legal, legislative, and administrative changes — from state prison temperature standards to federal legislation addressing extreme temperatures and other climate hazards in carceral facilities.
Gatherings
Convenings & workshops
CIRCol and its partners have convened a growing national network of scholars, advocates, and directly impacted researchers annually since 2022 — from an 18-person strategic workshop at CU Boulder to a 45-participant national research convening co-organized with the David Rockefeller Fund.
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2022
Convening
Inaugural CIRCol strategic workshop at CU Boulder — scholars and advocates with lived experience formed CIRCol.
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2023
Convening
Climate & Incarceration Symposium — 18 formerly incarcerated and directly impacted speakers from 5 states, 150 participants.
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2024
Convening
“85 to Stay Alive” national webinar — 10 speakers, 5 states, 51 participants.
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2025
Convening
National Extreme Temperatures Research Convening, co-organized with the David Rockefeller Fund — 12 researchers, 45 participants.
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2026
Convening
Research panel at the Natural Hazards Workshop at CU Boulder, “Coalition-Driven Research: Insights from Campaigns to End Inhumane Incarceration in a Changing Climate”.
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2027
Forthcoming Convening
“From Subjects to Scientists” national convening at CU Boulder, co-developing a community-accountability framework.
Get Involved
Join this work
The infrastructure to change conditions inside America's prisons exists right now — in research labs, courtrooms, families, and coalitions. The question is whether support arrives before the next preventable harm, or after.
David Ciplet
Director, Climate and Incarceration Research Collective
University of Colorado Boulder
Amite Dominick
Founder & President, Texas Prisons Community Advocates
85 to Stay Alive
Support this work
Contributions support the 85 to Stay Alive campaign, led by our partner Texas Prisons Community Advocates (TPCA) — a 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose work to end inhumane conditions in U.S. prisons is directly informed by CIRCol research. Donations are made through TPCA and are tax-deductible.
Donate through TPCA →Sign up for CIRCol updates
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