Edinburgh joins drive to accelerate action on climate change

Researchers from the University of Edinburgh are to join 40 of the world’s leading climate research universities to form an alliance to address the threat posed by climate change.

Edinburgh is among the founding members of the International Universities Climate Alliance, which will bring together thousands of experts to share knowledge and better inform decisions made by government, businesses and members of the public.

This will be achieved by presenting evidence-based information on climate research and its impacts that is regionally focused as well as globally informed.

Members of the Climate Alliance will work together to make their collective knowledge available at all levels, from local communities to world leaders.

Alliance membership comprises a worldwide network of universities, representing the global ‘north’ and ‘south’. A multi-disciplinary approach will enable researchers from diverse backgrounds to collaborate and help tackle the threats of climate change to food and water security, biodiversity, public health, and social inequality.

Edinburgh has been a world-leader in climate change research for decades, and the University continues to provide leadership at local, national and international levels.

Projects and initiatives include working with the City of Edinburgh Council to achieve net zero emissions by 2030, researching Carbon Capture and Storage to reduce the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere, and analyzing changes in global rainfall and patterns of extreme weather that devastate the lives of millions.

“The Covid-19 crisis demonstrates the necessity for the world to unite and pool its knowledge when tackling global threats. Sharing scientific insights and key research findings on climate change will enable key decision and policy-makers to do so on the basis of sound evidence. The global reaction to climate change has been far too slow. We believe the Alliance can help accelerate that response.”
Professor Sandy Tudhope, Lead on Climate Responsibility and Sustainability, the University of Edinburgh.

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