Search results (47)
« Back to NewsLogged tropical forests are still valuable for biodiversity, study finds
13 January 2025
A research team led by the University of Oxford has carried out the most comprehensive assessment to date of how logging and conversion to oil palm plantations affect tropical forest ecosystems.
Oxford welcomes Colombian universities to the Nature Positive Universities Alliance
6 November 2024
This week, as part of the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP16), Oxford University and UN Environment Programme (UNEP) welcomed a new group of 16 Colombian universities to the Nature Positive Universities Alliance.
In The Conversation: Nuer people have a sacred connection to birds
17 October 2024
A multi-disciplinary team from Jimma University, University of Oxford, University of Oslo and Bahir Dar University discuss how cultural connection can guide conservation in Ethiopia and South Sudan.
In The Conversation: How profits from big pharma’s use of genetic information could revolutionise nature conservation
17 October 2024
A key debate at Cop16, the upcoming UN biodiversity conference, will be how best to channel funding into protecting valuable biological resources explains Professor EJ Milner-Gulland et al.
In The Conversation: New solar cells break efficiency record
30 September 2024
New solar cells are breaking efficiency record – and could eventually supercharge how we get energy from the Sun writes Professor Sebastian Bonilla from the Department of Materials.
Nature-based Solutions Conference 2024: Honouring indigenous sovereignty, reconnecting with nature
28 June 2024
The Nature-based Solutions Conference, hosted by Oxford University 18-20 June, blended scientific rigour with ceremonial and cultural richness.
University of Oxford to lead new Sustainable Chemicals and Materials Manufacturing Research Hub
16 May 2024
The University of Oxford is leading a major UK government investment in research to improve the sustainability of chemical and polymer production. The Sustainable Chemicals and Materials Manufacturing Hub (SCHEMA) will bring together researchers from across the UK working with a large consortium of commercial, technology translation and civic partners. The Hub has been funded by £11 million from the UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and leverages a further £22 million in funding from its partners.
Landmark study definitively shows that conservation actions are effective at halting and reversing biodiversity loss
26 April 2024
MPLS researchers have contributed to a first-of-its kind review on the success of a wide range of conservation actions.
Oxford researchers comment on the plastic waste crisis for Earth Day 2024
22 April 2024
Each year, Earth Day acts as a reminder of the importance of environmental conservation and sustainability, encouraging us to come together and take action for the planet. For the 2024 Earth Day, taking place today, the theme is ‘Planet vs Plastics.’ Oxford University researchers comment on the global plastic waste crisis, and the opportunities and challenges in moving to a sustainable plastics economy.
Major new project will harness AI to transform how zero-emission buildings are designed
22 March 2024
Researchers from the Departments of Engineering Science and Physics are to join the ZEBAI project. The major new initiative, backed by the European Commission Horizon Programme, aims to revolutionise the way Zero-Emission buildings are designed.
From The Conversation: Six innovative ways to float skyscraper-sized wind turbines
21 March 2024
For the new frontier of offshore wind power, the focus is on floating wind turbines – turbines supported by floating structures that bob and sway in response to waves and wind and are moored with chains and anchored to the seafloor.
From The Conversation: Developers in England will be forced to create habitats for wildlife – here’s how it works
15 February 2024
Natalie Duffus and Sophus zu Ermgassen from the Department of Biology discuss how England’s new environmental policy, biodiversity net gain, will work in practice.
From The Conversation: Migratory animals face mass extinction – but as a conservationist I’m optimistic
15 February 2024
Dan Challender, Research Fellow in Conservation Science and Policy in the Department of Biology, writes about a landmark meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Migratory Species, supporting the conservation and sustainable use of migratory species.
Oxford scientists launch ambitious roadmap for a circular carbon plastics economy
1 February 2024
Researchers from the Department of Chemistry/Oxford Martin Programme on the Future of Plastics have outlined ambitious targets to help deliver a sustainable and net zero plastic economy, arguing for a rethinking of the technical, economic, and policy paradigms that have entrenched the status-quo.
Study finds that vast amounts of waste are caused by single-use e-cigarette batteries
15 December 2023
While the lithium-ion batteries in disposable electronic cigarettes are discarded after a single use, they can continue to perform at high capacity for hundreds of cycles, according to new research from the University of Oxford and UCL, supported by The Faraday Institution.
Unlocking more sustainable futures with green chemistry
28 November 2023
A feature article about three Oxford research groups using chemistry to help reach sustainability goals. From solving global plastic pollution to improving the performance of rechargeable batteries found in electric cars, ‘green chemistry’ is a truly promising topic.
New training centre will bridge the gap between environmental science and AI to address global environmental challenges
31 October 2023
Backed by over £15 million funding, the new UKRI AI Centre for Doctoral Training in AI for the Environment (The Intelligent Earth Centre) will combine the University’s strengths in artificial intelligence, machine learning, Big Data, and environmental sciences.
From The Conversation: How to make homes cooler without cranking up the air conditioning
20 July 2023
An overview of options for keeping homes cool in the face of rising temperatures, without defaulting to non-stop air conditioning. By Jesus Lizana (Department of Engineering Science), Nicole Miranda (Oxford Martin School) and Radhika Khosla (Smith School of Enterprise and Environment)
MPLS success in the Vice-Chancellor’s Awards for Environmental Sustainability 2023
22 June 2023
MPLS departments, teams and individuals have all been recognised in this year’s awards, which celebrate the exceptional contributions of staff and students in advancing environmental sustainability.
Oxford biologists comment on new Genetic Technology Act
24 March 2023
Oxford biologists comment on new legislation that will unlock key technologies to improve UK food security, reduce pesticide use, and enhance climate-resilience in our crops.