
Taking action on climate change
Discover how we're working to tackle climate change through our research, innovation and teaching
The future of our planet and the place we call home is at stake. We're facing catastrophic change to our climate and environment if we don’t reverse the damage we've inflicted on the Earth.
The success of the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) is crucial in creating the ambitious action we need to prevent global temperatures rising above 1.5C and to protect our planet and people from the intensifying impact of climate change.
Through our teaching and Sustainability and the Environment research, we're pioneering ways of addressing the climate crisis. Our research is informing global policy to help mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change. We're developing low carbon technologies and green infrastructure. And examining the impact of plastics and pharmaceuticals so we can support the restoration of ecological systems and biodiversity.
Sustainability is also an integral part of our strategy – we aim to become climate positive by 2030.
Plastics worsen climate change
The impacts of plastic pollution are well known. But plastic contributes to another, less visible, environmental problem — climate change. Find out how our Revolution Plastics initiative is taking action.
- By 2050, it is estimated that the plastics industry will consume 20% of total oil production, and 15% of the annual carbon budget.
- Plastic pollution reduces the resilience of communities and the natural world to cope with climate change.
- Plastic pollution is making the impact of climate change worse.
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.

Research centres
These research centres bring together expertise and resources from across the University to tackle climate change and other pressing environmental issues.
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

Centre for Applied Geosciences
At the Centre for Applied Geosciences at the University of Portsmouth, we investigate natural and manmade hazards and geo-heritage conservation. Find out more

Centre for Enzyme Innovation
At the Centre for Enzyme Innovation, we're researching solutions to some of the most pressing global environmental problems.

Research features
We create world-leading research of the highest quality that has local, national and global impact. Explore some of our climate change research features below.
From rags to environmental riches
Dr Elaine Igoe explains how we’re making fashion more sustainable through our teaching, design and research.

Driving us closer to greener transport
Britain's burning question
Dr Mark Hardiman is exploring what sort of wildfires Britain can expect from global warming.

Control systems are integrating renewable energy with the power grid
Current and recent research projects
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MaCoBioS
The Marine Coastal Ecosystems Biodiversity and Services in a Changing World project's chief objective is to ensure the efficient and integrated management and conservation strategies to help the most-important marine coastal ecosystems to face climate change.
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PO1 Sustainable Fashion and Textiles
The PO1 research project aims to create a sustainable fashion system that minimises waste and benefits our students, the environment and the local economy.
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Solarise
The objective of the SOLARISE project is to facilitate the deployment and adoption of solar electricity/heat generation in the 2 Seas region.
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PlastiCity
The PlastiCity project will carry out a study on the compositions and quantities of industrial and commercial plastic waste in the urban environment, and to develop strategies and solutions that can increase recycling in urban environments from 20–30% to over 50%.
Sustainability at Portsmouth
The future of our planet is in everyone's hands and we're doing all we can to help. We're aiming for sustainability across all our activities and working towards a low-carbon future. We're continually improving our sustainability practices to minimise our impact on the environment.
News, events, and blogs
Find our more about our latest sustainability research successes, our upcoming climate change events, and read blogs by our academics.
News
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National Survey finds microplastics pollution around Britain’s coastline up to 100 times worse than previously recorded

Virtual burglaries to shine light on why criminals often work in pairs

Uncovering the history of Hampshire-based design icon Betty Joel

Academic helps give new life to Sherlock Holmes story collection

International study suggests female corporate leaders make firms less likely to greenwash
Blogs
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Hayley Irvine: The simulation suite facilities are second-to-none

Lie detectors: body language tells us surprisingly little about whether someone is being honest

David Jones: I want to finish my PhD and make a difference to ocean conservation

The Last of Us – a show that surprised and challenged audiences, even those who had played the game

Casey review: key steps the Met police must take to address its institutional racism and sexism
Life Solved
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Using Robotics to Support Physical Recovery ft. Amy Wright

Tackling Racial & Gender Inequality in TV and Film ft. Professor Deborah Shaw

How Fashion and the Internet are Changing the Status of Women in Iran ft. Dr Mahsa Ghaffari

Fraud Falling Under the Radar ft. Professor Mark Button
