Taking the
initiative on
Methane
emissions,
Earth
observation,
Marine
biodiversity,
Global
peatlands,
Carbon
sequestration,
Climate
& health,
Climate
adaptation,
Energy
systems,
Climate
anxiety,
Climate
data,
Climate
finance,
Net zero
cities,
COP28 & the University of Edinburgh
COP28 – a global conference that tackles the climate crisis – is happening 30 November – 12 December 2023 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
A 12-strong delegation of climate scientists and experts from Edinburgh – including student representatives and academics – are attending the summit to observe the proceedings, influence negotiations, draft text for agreements, recommendations and declarations, and participate in panels and discussions.
Find out moreKnowledge for urgent climate action
The Edinburgh Earth Initiative is accelerating the University of Edinburgh’s response to the climate crisis. Working with our academics, students, staff, and partners, we help ensure the University of Edinburgh is at the leading edge of climate research, teaching, innovation and action.
Find out moreRooted in a commitment to justice and equity – the University of Edinburgh’s engagement with climate and ecological emergency is built around three core pillars: land and marine based ecosystems; global energy futures; and health in a warming world.
We are working to engineer the transition to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy for everyone on the planet. From the energy technologies that reduce our dependence on oil and gas, to the evidence that informs energy policy, we are building models, systems, datasets and tools to support net zero emissions targets and achieve sustainable energy for all.
We are responding to the complex links between climate and environmental change, health and wellbeing. From infectious to non-communicable diseases, from toxics and pollution to sustainable medicine, and from humans to animals – we are establishing new evidence, new models and new interventions to the challenges of a warming world.
We are securing the biodiversity of land and marine ecosystems, and the capacity of communities to adapt to changing environments.
We leverage our space and satellite infrastructures, and our global partnerships in pursuit of a diverse and healthy planet. This ranges from mapping the impact of rising temperatures on food systems, tracking greenhouse gas emissions, to conserving ocean life and reducing the impact of climate change on coastal communities.
Core themes
Global Energy Futures
Health
Land & Seas
News
& Stories
Stay up to date with the latest news and stories from the Edinburgh Earth Initiative and across the University of Edinburgh.
Research
The Edinburgh Earth Initiative works to establish common ground for climate research and action across the natural, physical, biomedical, and social sciences, the arts and humanities.
Innovation
The Edinburgh Earth Initiative works to ensure positive climate impact is core to the University of Edinburgh’s innovation ecosystem by supporting industry and government partnerships, and by fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial culture among staff and students.
Partnerships
The Edinburgh Earth Initiative works to build enduring and equitable global partnerships that make significant contributions to climate and environmental challenges. We support collaborations across the world and work with regional teams across Africa, Latin America, South Asia, and South East Asia.
Students
The University of Edinburgh provides transformative learning opportunities for students to engage with and devise solutions to climate and environmental change. From fellowship programmes to scholarships – we believe in the power of education to address global challenges.
As a small islander, Edinburgh University was where I connected with people from all over the world who genuinely urged for urgent and ambitious climate action.
Ulfath Ibrahim
Special Envoy Office for Climate Change of the Maldives,
University of Edinburgh Graduate 2021-22
More events
coming soon
More events
coming soon
Support our work
Join us in partnership to deliver urgent, equitable, and innovative solutions to our most pressing climate and sustainability challenges.
Find out more