News and events
News and events covering climate and environmental resilience
Landslide risk remains long after an earthquake
Satellite observations have revealed that weak seismic ground shaking can trigger powerful landslide acceleration – even several years after a significant earthquake.
Unlocking the potential of sensory deterrents to reduce bycatch
A new study has revealed the potential for sensory deterrents to reduce marine megafauna bycatch in fisheries.
Key appointment for research partnership
The ground-breaking Insights North East project has been further boosted by the appointment of Liz Shutt as Programme Director.
Urgent calls for Ecosystem Restoration
Scientists are calling for an evidence-led, equitable approach to Ecosystem Restoration in a global context.
Comment: Military emissions must be reported
Emissions from the world’s armed forces must be counted and reported, argue Dr Oliver Heidrich and colleagues in a Comment article in Nature.
River longer than the Thames below Antarctic ice could affect ice loss
An unexpected river under the Antarctic ice sheet affects the flow and melting of ice, potentially accelerating ice loss as the climate warms.
Ranked top 20 in the world for Sustainability and Social Impact
Newcastle University has been ranked 18th in the inaugural QS World University Rankings: Sustainability.
New research experiment to support the RAF’s drive to Net Zero by 2040
The world’s smallest and lightest nodal seismic imaging system is being deployed by Newcastle University at RAF Leeming.
Tapping into the potential of agroforestry
A new Newcastle University study has highlighted actions that could be used to increase tree cover on farmed land in the North East.
Newcastle shortlisted for University of the Year
Newcastle University has been shortlisted for the prestigious Times Higher Education University of the Year award in recognition of its commitment to Environmental and Social Justice.
Depredation impacts support for shark conservation
Conflict between shark populations and fishing communities is reported to be rising within one of the world’s first shark sanctuaries.
Ancient source of oxygen for life hidden deep in the Earth’s crust
Scientists at Newcastle University have uncovered a source of oxygen that may have influenced the evolution of life before the advent of photosynthesis.
Newcastle’s suitcase laboratory empowers water researchers in Tanzania
Following in the footsteps of famous alumnus Dr John Snow, who identified cholera as a waterborne disease, researchers used molecular diagnostics in Tanzania to tackle the ancient plague.
New database to support conservation
Scientists have created a new tool to fill the large gaps in our understanding of where and how human activities threaten wild species around the world.
How nemo fits in his anemone
Study reveals how clownfish adjust their growth to their environments.
Over half of threatened species require targeted recovery actions
A staggering 57% of threatened species need targeted recovery actions to ensure their survival, new research has shown.
Sustainable tyre recycling project goes live
Newcastle University and Wastefront have joined forces to drive innovation in recovered carbon black.
Sustainable practices improve farmers’ wellbeing
Small-holder farmers in rural Tanzania can improve food security and their wellbeing by adopting agroecological practices, new research funded by UKRI Global Challenges Research Fund has shown.
Newcastle University artist wins top prize at Summer Exhibition
Professor Uta Kögelsberger has won the Royal Academy's Charles Wollaston Award for her multi-channel video Cull which highlights the devastation of Californian forest fires.
Fernandina Island Galapagos giant tortoise is not extinct
New genetic research has found that the Galapagos giant tortoise Chelonoidis phantasticus is not extinct.
Newcastle University celebrates its highest global ranking
Newcastle has achieved its highest ever position, ranking 122nd in the QS World University Rankings 2023.
Comment: AI could spot viruses like monkeypox and help conserve nature
Writing for The Conversation, Cristina Neesham and colleagues discuss how using AI to ward off new pandemics can also help protect and conserve nature.
Heavy metal pollution can increase antibiotic resistance in rivers
Scientists have shown that elevated heavy metal levels in rivers can lead to higher levels of antibiotic resistance.
Sea ice can control Antarctic ice sheet stability, new research finds
An international team of researchers, including a glaciologist at Newcastle University, has found that changes in sea ice can have an important influence on ice shelves.
REF2021 confirms growth in research excellence and impact at Newcastle
The national assessment of research performance has reported world-leading research with outstanding impact for society and the economy across all disciplines at Newcastle University.
Newcastle experts support Port of Tyne’s drive to net zero
Clean Tyne, a UK’s Clean Maritime Demonstration consortium, has created a roadmap for the Port of Tyne and other UK ports to support their journey to net zero.
Research highlights the “specialness” of our urban green spaces
Research led by Newcastle University has highlighted the importance of ‘urban commons’ for leisure use, wellbeing and their biodiversity value.
New bacteria found that stick to plastic in the deep sea
Newcastle University scientists have found new types of plastic loving bacteria that stick to plastic in the deep sea that may enable them to ‘hitchhike’ across the ocean.
Using existing records for new insights to map vegetation communities
Ecologists have developed powerful modelling tools to predict the distributions of individual species, especially those of conservation importance.
University ranked first in the UK for sustainable development
Newcastle University’s ongoing work towards the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) has been recognised in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2022.
Newcastle University recognised in a new climate action campaign
Universities throughout the country have joined forces to reinforce their commitment to climate action.
Climate advisors for schools in new education scheme
Professor Hayley Fowler is among the experts to offer crash courses in climate change for teachers.
Environmentalist and former politician to be new Goldman Professor
Environmentalist and former North East MEP, Paul Brannen has been appointed as this year’s David Goldman Visiting Professor of Innovation and Enterprise at Newcastle University.
Study reveals the impact of climate change on the ‘Frozen Continent’
Warmer summers and meltwater lakes are threatening the fringes of the world’s largest ice sheet, new research has shown.
Conservation actions work to save species
Research shows species on the brink of extinction have successfully been saved. Professor Philip McGowan argues that applying the same approaches more broadly could help the planet.
Farming ‘smart meters’ could reduce harmful emissions
Scientists are trialling a new sensor to help monitor greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture.
The protective armour of superbug C.difficile revealed
The spectacular structure of the protective armour of superbug C.difficile has been revealed for the first time showing the close-knit yet flexible outer layer – like chain mail.
Comment: Storm Eunice
Writing for The Conversation, Professor Hayley Fowler and Dr Colin Manning discuss why Storm Eunice is so severe – and whether violent wind storms will become more common.
Predicting and preparing for the impact of approaching storms
Newcastle University research is helping to prepare for and mitigate storm damage before extreme weather occurs.
Comment: Long-term answers to the UK's carbon dioxide shortage
Writing for The Conversation, Jas Kalra and Jens Roehrich explain how the government can manage supply chain risks for strategic products such as carbon dioxide.
Comment: Who owns Britain's underground heat?
Writing for The Conversation, Anna McClean and Ole Pederson discuss the lack of clarity over who owns Britain's geothermal heat.