Research

BU academics are working to further understanding and awareness of how we can most effectively tackle the climate and ecological crisis and support our global ecosystems. Here are some of the research projects we have been part of in the past academic year:

Nature-based Solutions for Climate Change in the UK: A Report by the British Ecological Society

BU academics Rick Stafford, Pippa Gillingham and Luciana Esteves contributed to authoring and editing a new landmark report on Nature-based Solutions for climate change and biodiversity produced by the British Ecological Society.

I truly believe it will be a landmark in setting the agenda and scientific and policy framework for the roll-out of nature-based solutions in the UK, and thereby to our collective aspiration to build a vibrant, resilient and resurgent natural world and stable climate in which our society and communities can thrive.

Professor Yadvinder Malhi CBE FRS, President-Elect, British Ecological Society, on the new report.

Assessing Environmentally Effective Post-COVID Green Recovery Plans for Reducing Social and Economic Inequality

Given the current environmental crisis there have been multiple calls for a green recovery from COVID-19 which address environmental concerns and provide jobs in industries and communities economically damaged by the pandemic. In this paper, the BU team holistically evaluated a range of recovery scenarios, evaluated on environmental and socio-economic equity metrics, including ending fossil fuel subsidies, investment in ecological conservation, jobs in renewable energy, heat-pump installation and the inclusion of carbon taxes. The paper suggests a comprehensive green recovery and green new deal are needed, and highlight a need to reimagine economies, without the focus on economic growth.

BU students involved in EU conservation project

A group of BU students worked alongside conservation experts on an EU-wide project called SAMARCH to understand the migration habits of wild salmon and sea trout in the river Frome in Dorset. The prevalence of wild salmon and sea trout in UK rivers has been on a drastic decline, and the team are working to understand what conservation and management activities could take place to ensure their long-term survival. The project will help inform the management of salmon and sea trout in the waters across the Channel.

Centre for Sustainable Business Transformation

In marching towards achieving the UN SDGs and net zero emissions, there are growing expectations on businesses to be sustainable. In response, BU launched the new Centre for Sustainable Business Transformation. The centre brings together experts from multiple faculties to assist businesses, not-for-profit organisations, and policymakers in their pursuit of delivering on the sustainability goals. You can read about the Centre here.