Greener
Find out more about how we are leading meaningful action against the climate emergency and ecological crisis.
Healthier Oceans
We have one of the world’s largest marine science teams: a group that includes researchers recognised in the top 1% of their field, all of whom are dedicated to addressing and overcoming the threats our planet faces. Our researchers specialise in marine conservation, ecotoxicology, marine governance, ocean systems and technology and are interdisciplinary in their approach, working closely with medical colleagues and partners from a variety of organisations. The focus is not only on the problems we are facing in our oceans, but around actively seeking ways to make things better and having a long-term impact.
Healthier Oceans: Marine conversation
We have been instrumental in the science underpinning a global network of marine protected areas (MPAs) known as the 30x30 campaign. Our researchers use a range of technologies and innovative methods to fill data gaps and characterise the spatial ecology, distribution, population status and threats to marine vertebrates. We are not only looking at the source and scale of plastic pollution worldwide and in specific regions, but also at the damage being done at a cellular level. We’re not just focussed on the problem, we’re actively seeking ways to make things better.
Tipping Points research launch
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In September 2022 we hosted the ‘Tipping Points from climate crisis to positive transformation’ conference. A tipping point occurs when a small change sparks a rapid, often irreversible transformation, the programme covered the latest developments in both negative and positive tipping points. In collaboration with Systemiq, and the Director of Economics for UNFCCC Climate Champions, our team at the University is at the forefront of research into identifying these points and tackling climate change factors. We are committed to leading meaningful action against the climate emergency and ecological crisis and understanding how to engineer positive tipping points which could help us slow climate change and highlight new opportunities for the decarbonisation of the global economy.
Hoffmann Fellowship with World Economic Forum
Our first partnership with the World Economic Forum will help develop a new project in support of the Arctic and Antarctic biospheres. The successful Hoffmann Fellow will help to develop an integrated approach to tackling the common threats these areas face, and the implications for the rest of the world affected by polar tipping points. Professor Alexandra Gerbasi, Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Dean of the Business School, said: “This Fellowship inside the World Economic Forum places Exeter at the cutting edge of global discussions on nature and climate as a key part of a new international initiative with transformative potential.”
Find out more about the Hoffmann Fellowship and how to apply
Decarbonising our supply chain
We are committed to decarbonising our supply chain as part of our drive for net zero by 2030 and are working with suppliers to support and monitor decarbonisation. The 2030 target includes direct and indirect emissions caused by the University's procurement of goods and services.
Sixth in People and Planet League
We are proud to put the climate emergency and ecological crisis at the heart of our strategy. With more than 1,400 researchers working on the environment and climate, and collaborating with partners in the UK and worldwide, we are answering the call to action in this crucial decade for our planet. In December 2022 our progress in this area was recognised when we were awarded sixth place in the 2022/23 People & Planet University League, which ranks UK universities on sustainability and ethics. The league requires a target of reducing direct carbon emissions by 43% between 2005/6 and 2020/21. We exceeded this target, cutting carbon emissions by 45% and will continue towards our goal of reaching net zero by 2030.
Future17
In January 2022, in partnership with QS we launched Future 17. Future 17 enables students from the world’s leading universities including the University of Exeter, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Stellenbosch University, and the University of São Paulo to work together to develop actionable solutions to real-world challenges aligned to the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It is hoped the programme will empower and enable the next generation of students to answer the questions that will shape today, tomorrow and the future for us all.
Green Futures
As part of our commitment to lead meaningful action against the climate emergency and ecological crisis we have launched a new business support initiative to help companies reach their net zero goals and seize green economy opportunities. Green Futures Solutions will provide businesses with access to our global climate and environment expertise, including our pioneering research. This will also boost the local economy by delivering much needed jobs, skills and other opportunities to the region, ensuring that the UK becomes a clean energy superpower.
Find out more about Green Futures Solutions
Investment in Africa
We’re striving for a socially just and fair society that collectively tackles some of the biggest challenges of the century, including climate change. We have joined forces with the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG) and researchers across Africa to ensure that major new investments in Africa effectively tackle climate change and support communities to seize the opportunities ahead in the global green economy. This science-based investment approach aims to make a difference to hundreds of millions of lives, and the partnership between scientists, investors and local communities will provide unique opportunities for African communities.
