Environment News

Global Food Security symposia: Creating resilience in the face of catastrophic climate change

Liz Almond — 2013-02-01T11:46:43Z

Across the world, farmers and communities are experiencing the impact of climate change. People living in the world’s poorest areas are most likely to be seriously affected, and least well prepared to withstand the impact of poor harvests and natural disasters.

Warming climate unlikely to cause extinction of ancient Amazon trees

Ed Nash — 2012-12-14T09:38:51Z

New genetic analysis has revealed that many Amazon tree species are likely to survive man-made climate warming in the coming century, contrary to previous findings that temperature increases would cause them to die out.

Cycling safer than driving for young people

George Wigmore — 2012-12-06T09:52:53Z

Researchers from UCL have found that cycling is safer than driving for young males, with 17 to 20 year old drivers facing almost five times greater risk per hour than cyclists of the same age.

Canopy structure explains supposed link between leaf nitrogen and climate

Ed Nash — 2012-12-04T09:43:43Z

Claims that forest leaves rich in nitrogen may aid in reflecting infrared radiation – thereby cooling the atmosphere – have been challenged by new research that shows that the structure of forests’ canopies is a more important factor in infrared reflection.

Developing cities face perfect storm of environmental risks

Nicholas W Tyndale — 2012-11-28T10:42:53Z

A major report, Future Proofing Cities, published today by Atkins in a unique partnership with the Department for International Development (DFID) and UCL, warns that cities in the developing world must act now against a perfect storm of environmental risks.

Minister announces £39 million investment at UCL Energy Institute visit

Clare S Ryan — 2012-11-13T14:14:43Z

The UCL Energy Institute hosted an announcement by the Energy and Climate Change Minister of a £39 million investment in research to support energy efficiency policy and contribute to cutting carbon use and greenhouse gas emissions.

Heavy rains replenish groundwater supplies in Africa

Ed Nash — 2012-11-13T11:19:03Z

Intensive rainfall in East Africa can result in widespread flooding but may have a silver lining in the form of replenishing vital groundwater supplies.

The transition to a low carbon economy must be led by academic research

Clare S Ryan — 2012-07-09T09:23:57Z

Leading UK and international academics believe a progressive research programme is vital to ensure that policies, such as the UK’s newly launched Green Deal, are backed by evidence and data, and that systems are in place to monitor, evaluate and adapt such policies.

UCL News podcast: Royal Society summer science exhibition

George Wigmore — 2012-06-07T12:45:28Z

The UCL News podcast gives you the opportunity to listen to the latest news and research from around UCL every fortnight. Split up into three parts, you can either listen to the podcast all in one go, or save features for later listening.

Giant woven art installation at UCL

Ruth Metcalfe — 2012-06-01T09:07:14Z

A striking art installation of fabric woven in between the neoclassical columns of the portico has been installed by UCL Slade School of Fine Art student Nicolas Feldmeyer.

Better urban planning is essential to improve health

Clare S Ryan — 2012-05-29T11:24:59Z

The proportion of the world’s population that lives in cities has been steadily rising, so that 3 in 5 of all people globally will live in a city by 2030. The UCL-Lancet Commission on Healthy Cities explores the many issues other than health services that contribute to population health in a city environment.

UCL, Intel and Imperial to create Global Centre for Research in Sustainable Connected Cities

George Wigmore — 2012-05-24T13:24:14Z

UCL, Imperial College London and Intel have announced the launch of the Intel Collaborative Research Institute for Sustainable Connected Cities. The new London-based institute will be Intel’s first research centre and global hub dedicated to exploring how technology can support and sustain the social and economic development of cities worldwide.

The Banana Theory: realising the carbon footprint of bananas

Clare S Ryan — 2012-05-17T11:20:03Z

Exactly how bad are bananas? Or anything else? Inspired by Mike Berners-Lee’s book How Bad Are Bananas?, The Banana Theory project demonstrates, using QR code technology and installation art, the difficulty we face when deciding how to change our lifestyle to become greener.

New project to help predict the future of the UK’s coastline

Ruth Metcalfe — 2012-03-23T13:16:44Z

A new project is being launched that will help forecast what the UK’s coastline will look like in up to 100 years’ time.

Should motorway speed limits be raised to 80mph?

Ruth Metcalfe — 2012-03-07T14:59:07Z

In 1965, the UK government set the speed limit for UK motorways at 70mph. The UK government has indicated its intention to consult on the proposal to increase the motorway speed limit in England and Wales from 70 to 80mph.

UCL, Intel and Imperial poised to establish Institute for Sustainable Connected Cities

Henry Rummins — 2012-01-18T14:36:27Z

UCL, Imperial College London and Intel have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the aim of establishing an Institute for Sustainable Connected Cities.

Next ice age delayed by global warming

George Wigmore — 2012-01-10T10:06:35Z

Without human carbon dioxide emissions the next ice age would be imminent, according to a Nature Geoscience study led by a UCL scientist.

UCL News review 2011

Nick Dawe — 2011-12-20T14:37:59Z

The past year at UCL has seen a landmark larynx transplant, a lecture from Noam Chomsky, simulated missions to Mars and a Queen’s Anniversary Prize for the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, among many other groundbreaking developments. UCL Communications has created the digital review of the year below: click on the images to discover more.

Industrial “inertia to change” is delaying development of zero carbon homes, report finds

George Wigmore — 2011-12-16T10:12:56Z

Tackling rising CO2 emissions from the residential sector could make a vital contribution towards mitigating climate change, according to a new report from the UCL Bartlett School of Planning.

Reducing car use is the key to better health

David R Weston — 2011-12-23T11:55:14Z

With just 39 per cent of men and 29 per cent of women reaching the Department of Health’s recommended level of health-enhancing physical activity, the answer to the UK’s growing obesity problem could depend on people choosing to swap car journeys for walking and cycling, according to a new study by researchers at UCL.

Lessons from a German bank could cut energy bills for UK homeowners

Clare S Ryan — 2011-11-10T13:40:27Z

UK home owners could see reduced energy bills if the government’s energy policy takes lessons from a publicly owned German bank that has pioneered energy-efficient construction over the past 30 years, a new report has found.

UCL Grand Challenges Small Grants available

Nicholas W Tyndale — 2011-09-19T12:04:13Z

Up to £5,000 per project is available to UCL staff through the 2011 UCL Grand Challenges Small Grants Scheme. The closing date for applications is 18 November 2011.

Bartlett architects provide “SURFACE TENSION” for Nevada Museum of Art

David R Weston — 2011-08-26T14:01:31Z

A major art installation commenting on the role of the built environment during times of environmental change has been created by two senior lecturers from UCL’s Bartlett School of Architecture. It takes pride of place at the centre of the Nevada Museum of Art, Reno, USA.

Iberian Lynx not doomed by its genetics

David R Weston — 2011-08-22T11:14:54Z

The low genetic diversity of the Iberian lynx – the most endangered carnivore in Europe – may not decrease the species’ chance of survival, according to new research by geneticists.

UCL signs China agreement

Neil D Rodger — 2011-06-24T16:01:26Z

UCL has today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Tianguan Group, a major Chinese bioenergy company, which will enable new collaborative research in the area of bioenergy and innovative biofuels.