Tackling the climate and environmental crisis
We are helping to address the climate emergency by marshalling our research to understand the causes and effects of climate change, and to help communities adapt and mitigate its effects. We are world-leading in areas as diverse as earth systems, biodiversity, farming and food, energy and manufacturing, space and satellites, health and inequalities, the circular economy, climate finance and corporate responsibility, public attitudes and environmental politics.Learn more about how our researchers are having a positive impact upon the planet and its people.
Can COP30’s agenda create change for water security?
Achieving water resilient cities is a significant and urgent challenge given the dual drivers of climate change and urbanisation.
Lessons from searching for every British wildflower
One researcher, an obsessive plant hunter, has created a botanical resource for Britain like no other.
What magnets reveal about climate tipping points
Experiments with magnets reveal why some climate systems collapse suddenly while others shift gradually, offering insight into the warning signs of environmental tipping points.
What is engineering biology? And why is it going to change…
Edinburgh is a world-leader in a discipline that is using biology to upend industrial processes and turning trash into treasure.
Pacific tsunami shows the power of early warning systems
The recent earthquake near Russia highlighted the efficiency of modern tsunami warnings. Their success is built on decades of global research and teamwork - and learning from tragedy.
Fighting fire with ideas: how our fire engineers save lives
The Grenfell Tower disaster was the UK's worst residential fire since the Blitz. Edinburgh experts are working to ensure its like never happens again.
Discovering Europe’s long-forgotten oyster reefs
Europe’s seas were once home to vast oyster reefs. Could these vanished reefs be restored to revive their rich ecosystems and cultural significance?
How we designed sign language for climate science
The climate crisis affects everyone. To tackle it, everyone needs to be able to talk about it. A team of deaf scientists and sign linguists are making important conversations about the future of the planet more accessible to the deaf community.
Signs help deaf people engage with ocean conservation
Sign language experts are developing 100 new signs, from jellyfish to basking shark, to help deaf people contribute to the future of the oceans.
Recordings reveal underwater soundscapes
Marine environments have a soundtrack of their own, and tuning in could help preserve the health of our oceans.
Species respond to challenge of shifting seasons
As warming climates make seasonal changes more unpredictable, some species and food chains show a flexible response.