Climate change is one of the biggest threats facing the world today. In her monthly column, our Vice-Chancellor Karen O'Brien explores how Durham University is both pioneering research to understand and address this global challenge, and working locally to preserve and enhance our beautiful city, county and region.
Our researchers are leading the country and the world in fields including geothermal energy, offshore wind, access to water, and sustainable food.
Five of our colleagues travelled to Baku, Azerbaijan, for COP29, the United Nations Climate Change Conference.
Laura Marsiliani is an environmental and energy economist and Director of the Centre for Environmental and Energy Economics.
Petra Minnerop is Director of the Centre for Sustainable Development Law and Policy. Ghulam Mustafa Kamran is a PhD student in International Human Rights Law.
Chris Stokes is a leading voice on how glaciers react to climate change. At COP29, he has been speaking about the increasing threat of rapid and irreversible sea level rise. Finally, it’s very good to have on the team Sophia Wasim Khan, an undergraduate student and student ambassador.
As we know, it’s vital that we work together, across borders and disciplines, to tackle this crisis.
Recently, we’ve joined the Arqus European University Alliance, a group of research-intensive European universities committed to driving sustainable change while, crucially, supporting growth and development in their home region.
This month, UK Research and Innovation announced £500 million to fund the next generation of researchers dedicated to tackling environmental challenges. I am very pleased that Durham will share in almost £30 million of this funding, to train future leaders in fields from evolution and ecology to glaciology and atmospheric science.
In the same month, Durham was shortlisted for the title of Sustainability Institution of the Year at the Green Gown Awards, which recognise exceptional sustainability initiatives being undertaken by universities and colleges.
All this further demonstrates that we're increasingly recognised as one of the world’s leading universities for addressing the climate challenge.
This work is just as important on our campus and in our region.
We are proud to operate the wonderful Botanic Garden, a haven for staff, students and visitors; we have ambitious targets for reducing carbon emissions and preserving and enhancing biodiversity; and we welcome working with local partners – community groups, schools, charities and others – to keep our city its beautiful best.
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