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Biodiversity Conservation and our Thriving Planet

How the University of Birmingham is embedding sustainability and biodiversity conservation into research, education and partnerships.

10 July 2024
Path through grassy area. Lady walking forward reading her phone

We are dedicated to integrating sustainability across all aspects of our work. Biodiversity conservation and enhancement is integral to this ambition, as we seek to create positive change in society and the environment through research and transformative education as well as our practices.  

Our students and staff play a pivotal role in this endeavour, embedding sustainability principles in behaviour and actions. This includes to development of new undergraduate and postgraduate programmes and making ‘sustainability-focused’ is one of our graduate attributes. As a research-intensive university committed to social responsibility, the University of Birmingham continues to grow the expertise and collaborative partnerships necessary to address pressing global sustainability challenges and take climate action. Exemplary of this is the establishment of the Birmingham Institute for Sustainability and Climate Action. 

Our research spans many areas, from improving global forest policy to tracking disappearance of endemic freshwater species in mountain rivers to rehabilitation of endangered apes, unravelling legislation required for forever chemicals in the environment to exploring the importance of microorganisms for ecosystem health. We are committed to protecting and enhancing biodiversity in all its forms.  

Future climate scenarios contain uncertainty, as different modelled temperature projections suggest varying ecological dynamics, such as the level of carbon capture by forests. Research at Birmingham's Institute of Forest Research (BIFoR) is helping policymakers consider how future changes in climate and land use could inform decisions today.

In addition, we are working to reduce toxic chemical pollution. Through the Partnership for the Assessment of Risks from Chemicals and Centre for Environmental Research and Justice, our experts are investigating ways to use model organisms like daphnia, or water fleas, and powerful computational approaches to understand how harmful different chemicals are in the environment and to human health.

Robust modelling and projections are essential to anticipate likely future scenarios and guide effective policy choices. By using the best evidence, we can foster sustainable conservation practices that benefit both environment and society.

Explore how we are advancing sustainability and addressing global challenges by visiting our Thriving Planet webpage.

Featured staff

  • Professor David Hannah

    Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sustainability)

    David M. Hannah is Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sustainability), Professor of Hydrology and UNESCO Chair in Water Sciences, and Director of the Birmingham Institute for Sustainability & Climate Action.

    Phone: +44 (0)121 41 46925 (for own research)
    Email: d.m.hannah@bham.ac.uk

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