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.
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.
Navigating a Catch-22: decarbonising energy in Malawi
Experts warn that the nationwide rollout of electrical power could deepen social injustices. However, with smart policymaking, this outcome can be avoided.
Using AI’s power to fight climate change
Whether climate change or AI poses the greatest threat to humanity depends on which of the world’s brightest minds you ask. But how can the power of the latter be harnessed to help tackle the former?
How downplaying green benefits could boost plant-based meat
Plant-based meat sales are stagnating. To get it on more plates - and take pressure off the environment - does it need a rebrand that ignores its eco-friendly credentials?
Fossil discovery puts plant evolution in a spin
Naturally occurring Fibonacci spirals have long mesmerised scientists. A new study of ancient plant fossils has revealed a surprising twist about the patterns.