Sea wind turbines

Exploring our impact on the world

The future of the planet is at stake – and our research is exploring how we can help protect it

Climate change and green infrastructure. Clean water and sanitation. The impact of plastics and pharmaceuticals. Low carbon design. Ecological systems and biodiversity.

These are just a handful of our research areas within the Sustainability and the Environment theme, led by Professor Steve Fletcher, Ocean Lead of the United Nations' International Resource Panel and Chair of Portsmouth Climate Action Board.

Our research promotes environmental awareness, explores ways to combat climate change, and we develop techniques for evaluating and improving damage to land and marine ecosystems. 

Sustainability is also an integral part of the University's strategy. We aim to become a climate-positive university by 2030.

Our plastics research

Through our Revolution Plastics initiative, we're working with partners in business, government and academia around the world to find innovative solutions to the planet's plastic pollution crisis. This is supported by our research centres. From pioneering research into plastic-degrading enzymes through to our multi-disciplinary approach to inform blue governance policies around the world.

Revolution Plastics

From developing sustainable fashion to combatting microplastics, we’re putting our research into practice, working with local groups, organisations, businesses and individuals to solve the planet's plastic problem.

Revolution Plastics team obtained these images for research.
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Centre for Enzyme Innovation

At the Centre for Enzyme Innovation, we are working to solve one of the most pressing environmental issues facing our planet.

 

petri dish from centre for enzyme research
Explore our research

Centre for Blue Governance

Aquatic environments cover more than 70% of the earth's surface – find out how our Centre for Blue Governance is securing the future of the planet's marine and freshwaters

blue governance
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Areas of Expertise and Research Groups

Many of the University's research areas deal directly with issues of sustainability and the environment.

Find out more about some of our areas of expertise, including:

Environmental processes and impacts research group

We're looking at the Earth's changing environment and the influence of human activity on climate and ecosystems.

Pollution from factory rising into a dark grey sky
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Ecotoxicology and Environmental Monitoring

We're examining how humans impact ecosystems, and developing new ways to assess and counteract our impact on the environment.

Langstone harbour with tide in
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Environmental Change

Our research examines the changing environment and how to avoid crises in the future. Find out more about our physical and human geography research.

Aerial view of scenic Greenland Glaciers and icebergs
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Renewable Energy and Sustainability Analytics

Modelling to answer a host of questions, from how to produce renewable energy more cheaply, to how the associated logistics can be sustainable.

Windfarm at sea on a sunny day
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Resource Economics and Environmental Policy

We examine how economics influences the preservation and sustainability of natural resources such as aquatic ecosystems.

Fishing boats in a harbour
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Environmental Technology and Management

We're finding sustainable ways of tackling pollution, developing the technology needed to deal with new pollutants, and finding ways to build sustainable, environmentally-friendly urban landscapes.

Structural engineers in disaster relief training in earthquake ruins
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Green infrastructures

We're planning cities that can be both liveable for humans, while not resulting in further decline to the planet's ecological vitality.

A view of Portsmouth from Catherine House looking towards Spinnaker Tower
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Sustainability and Business

We're identifying how businesses can embed sustainability practices to contribute to achieving the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

A birds eye view of a circle of houses surrounding a cluster of trees
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Research features

Explore our features for a snapshot of our recent research work in this research theme.

Could a mutant enzyme solve the planet's plastic problem?

A collaboration between the Centre for Enzyme Innovation, and the US Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has created a new mutant enzyme that breaks down plastic bottles faster.

Beach with plastic pollution
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Britain's burning question

Dr Mark Hardiman is exploring what sort of wildfires Britain can expect from global warming.

Smoke rising from a grassland wildfire next to a forest
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Plumbing new depths of sustainable behaviour

Professor John Williams shows how nature can help our wastewater systems work better for people and the planet.

Close up of wave crashing in the sea
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From rags to environmental riches

Dr Elaine Igoe explains how we’re making fashion more sustainable through our teaching, design and research.

Denim jeans photo by Mica Asato, Pexels
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News, events, and blogs

Find our more about our latest sustainability research successes, our upcoming sustainability events, and read blogs by our academics. 

THE Awards

Revolution Plastics shortlisted for Environmental Leadership Award

27 September 2023

Revolution Plastics shortlisted for Environmental Leadership Award
Picture of ferry at Portsmouth port

A green revolution begins at Portsmouth’s port as a £19.8m grant is secured

11 September 2023

A green revolution begins at Portsmouth’s port as a £19.8m grant is secured
Image of Earth from space showing it's inner layers

New research reveals Earth's ancient ‘breath’

4 September 2023

New research reveals Earth's ancient ‘breath’
Portsmouth seafront

Portsmouth has unrivalled passion for ocean action

4 August 2023

Portsmouth has unrivalled passion for ocean action
fishing boat in southsea harbour

University receives £500,000 funding to help the UK’s fishing industry to be more sustainable and productive

1 August 2023

University receives £500,000 funding to help the UK’s fishing industry to be more sustainable and productive
Triathlon athlete in Extreme Environments Lab

25 years of the Extreme Environments Laboratory

Mike Tipton

25 years of the Extreme Environments Laboratory
Picture of waste in landfill with Life Solved logo and descriptive text

From Shelf to the Global South – why our plastic ends up in low-income countries

From Shelf to the Global South – why our plastic ends up in low-income countries
Life solved Logo with introduction title: How close are we to a global plastics treaty?

INC-2: How close are we to a global plastics treaty? Featuring Professor Steve Fletcher and Antaya March

INC-2: How close are we to a global plastics treaty? Featuring Professor Steve Fletcher and Antaya March
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Plastic recycling is failing – here’s how the world must respond

Plastic recycling is failing – here’s how the world must respond
STANDARD LICENSE; PLEASE SEE ADDITIONAL ASSET FOR FULL LICENSE TERMS.

Biodegradable plastic in clothing doesn’t break down nearly as quickly as hoped – new research

Biodegradable plastic in clothing doesn’t break down nearly as quickly as hoped – new research
Picture of a ChatGPT chat with Life Solved logo and introduction title

AI & Chat GPT: The beast is out of the box, so what now?

AI & Chat GPT: The beast is out of the box, so what now?
Parenting book with Life Solved Logo and introduction title

Putting parenting shaming on the naughty step

Putting parenting shaming on the naughty step
Calendar with life solved logo and introduction title

The history of the weekend - should they be longer?

The history of the weekend - should they be longer?
Car charging with Life solved logo and introduction title

Batteries – leading the charge in sustainable energy

Batteries – leading the charge in sustainable energy
Gordon Watson holding kelp with Life Solved Logo and introduction title

Nature’s leading role in cleaning up our waters

Nature’s leading role in cleaning up our waters