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.
Deer reveal nature’s secrets across half a century
A 50-year study of red deer on a remote Scottish island is providing new insights into evolution in action and the impact of climate change in the natural world.
The truth about cats and dogs (and the climate)
Owning a pet has an impact on the planet - almost as much as flying a private jet, according to some. But there are ways to reduce their environmental pawprint.
How a basic conservation income won’t cost the Earth
Giving money unconditionally to people living in conservation areas like the Amazon rainforest might cost trillions, but it could still be a shrewd investment.
How soils changed life on Earth
Soil has only existed for less than 10% of our planet’s history and around 500 million years ago, it was key to making the Earth habitable.
15-minute cities: separating reality from conspiracy
The idea of neighbourhoods where all services are within a 15 minute walk is being denounced as "Stalinist" by some protesters. How did city planning become the latest conspiracy theory?
Adjusting for humanity’s fingerprints
Six years ago, Professors Gabi Hegerl and Simon Tett’s work to prove human-caused greenhouse gasses are warming our planet underpinned the 2015 Paris Agreement. Today they argue we still aren’t doing enough to adapt to climate change.
Charging up the road
To help the haulage sector meet climate targets the UK's motorways are being electrified. How do you efficiently wire up a complex road network while keeping on trucking?
Seeing the woods
Getting a clear picture of how much living matter is in the world's forests and savannas - key data in managing these vital carbon stores - has always been tricky. Satellite technology is changing that.
Signals from a drowning world
Melting ice sheets and glaciers – and the resulting rising seas - are a startling reminder of the rate of climate change. However, measuring ice loss was an inaccurate science... until Edinburgh experts helped change things.
The first Challenger
150 years ago an expedition that became a byword for adventure set sail. It forever changed our relationship with the sea. At its heart was the University of Edinburgh.
Calling time on greenwashing
If international standards for measuring greenhouse gas emissions are flawed, what does this mean for companies and institutions trying to reduce their footprint?