Environment and sustainability news

Our students, staff and visitors all contribute to the University's environmental impact and we aim to bring environmental sustainability into all aspects of the University, including teaching, research, operational and international activities.

We are in the fortunate position of having a wealth of expertise and knowledge to share. Here are some examples of how we are responding to the climate emergency.


Corals as canaries in the coal mine

Professor of Molecular Ecology Michael Sweet discusses the importance of reducing our carbon footprint and how coral can act as a warning sign for climate impact.

Video of Professor Michael Sweet explaining the importance of reducing our carbon footprint and how coral can act as a warning sign for climate impact.

View Corals as canaries in the coal mine - Michael Sweet video transcript


Blogs

People standing outside holding banners protesting.

COP26 will come and go in a matter of days, Jessica Gordon-Calvert explains how it will be the long-term actions by individuals and the collective that will carry the lasting impact in mitigating climate change. 

group of adults at the SHED sat in a circle talking

Dr Rhiannon Jones, Researcher at the University of Derby, will speak at the Design for Planet event, which will champion design as a powerful agent of change. Here, she explains more.

Charlie digging next to a tree, wearing safety goggle.

Charlie Mercer outlines what actions he has taken as part of the student-led, Derby Goes Green project to help create a sustainable environment and what you can do to help support the green movement. 

Alvaston park, trees line a pathway.

Ray Underwood shares her love for Derby's local parks. Beautiful spaces of nature that have recently achieved Green Flag status. 

Kirsten Lees standing on moorland

Kirsten Lees, Early Career Research in Zero Carbon at the University of Derby explains why we need to work with the natural world and think carefully about how we manage landscapes into the future in order to mitigate the climate crisis.

Oak tree from Glasgow coat of arms in the City's Botanic Gardens

Paul Elliott, Professor of Modern History at the University of Derby maintains that we can be inspired by the host city of Glasgow and particularly its history of ambitious municipal environmental intervention.  

children playing in a woodland area

Dr Gemma Collard Stokes, Researcher in Therapeutic Arts at the University of Derby discusses why Dance performance and participation offers us encounters of belonging, of kinship and of care, so we might fall in love with the planet again. 

Object made by young person, March 2020

Dr Jamie Bird, Deputy Head of Centre for Health, Psychology and Social Care Research explores the use art as a way of dealing with the different feelings that witnessing the climate crisis has upon individuals and groups – specifically with young people.

Green Care Code - one man in nature, one surrounded by technology and distractions

Simply, Stop – Look – Listen and Enjoy Nature! Here, Miles Richardson, Professor of Human Factors and Nature Connectedness at Derby, explains why this simple Green Care Code is all it takes to help improve your own and nature’s wellbeing.

vapour rises from industrial chimneys and a haze covers the landscape

The University of Derby's Lecturer in Geoscience, Rosemary Horry, explores the impact that the coronavirus pandemic has had on the environment and what lessons there are to take from this.