Taking the
initiative on
Methane
emissions,
Earth
observation,
Marine
biodiversity,
Global
peatlands,
Carbon
sequestration,
Climate
& health,
Climate
adaptation,
Energy
systems,
Climate
anxiety,
Climate
data,
Climate
finance,
Net zero
cities,
Earth Fellows
Get the lowdown on our Earth Fellows programme – a vibrant, interdisciplinary network that’s making a real difference across the University, local community and beyond.
Find out moreKnowledge for urgent climate action
The Edinburgh Earth Initiative is accelerating the University of Edinburgh’s response to the climate crisis. Working with our academics, students, staff, and partners, we help ensure the University of Edinburgh is at the leading edge of climate research, teaching, innovation and action.
Find out moreRooted in a commitment to justice and equity – the University of Edinburgh’s engagement with climate and ecological emergency is built around three core pillars: land and marine based ecosystems; global energy futures; and health in a warming world.
We are working to engineer the transition to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy for everyone on the planet. From the energy technologies that reduce our dependence on oil and gas, to the evidence that informs energy policy, we are building models, systems, datasets and tools to support net zero emissions targets and achieve sustainable energy for all.
We are responding to the complex links between climate and environmental change, health and wellbeing. From infectious to non-communicable diseases, from toxics and pollution to sustainable medicine, and from humans to animals – we are establishing new evidence, new models and new interventions to the challenges of a warming world.
We are securing the biodiversity of land and marine ecosystems, and the capacity of communities to adapt to changing environments.
We leverage our space and satellite infrastructures, and our global partnerships in pursuit of a diverse and healthy planet. This ranges from mapping the impact of rising temperatures on food systems, tracking greenhouse gas emissions, to conserving ocean life and reducing the impact of climate change on coastal communities.
Core themes
Rooted in a commitment to justice and equity – the University of Edinburgh’s engagement with climate and ecological emergency is built around three core pillars: land and marine based ecosystems; global energy futures; and health in a warming world.
Global Energy Futures
We are working to engineer the transition to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy for everyone on the planet. From the energy technologies that reduce our dependence on oil and gas, to the evidence that informs energy policy, we are building models, systems, datasets and tools to support net zero emissions targets and achieve sustainable energy for all.
Health
We are responding to the complex links between climate and environmental change, health and wellbeing. From infectious to non-communicable diseases, from toxics and pollution to sustainable medicine, and from humans to animals – we are establishing new evidence, new models and new interventions to the challenges of a warming world.
Land & Seas
We are securing the biodiversity of land and marine ecosystems, and the capacity of communities to adapt to changing environments.
We leverage our space and satellite infrastructures, and our global partnerships in pursuit of a diverse and healthy planet. This ranges from mapping the impact of rising temperatures on food systems, tracking greenhouse gas emissions, to conserving ocean life and reducing the impact of climate change on coastal communities.
News
& Stories
Stay up to date with the latest news and stories from the Edinburgh Earth Initiative and across the University of Edinburgh.
Research
& Impact
The Edinburgh Earth Initiative works to inform action with real-world impact. We create opportunities for academics, students, partners and supporters.
Research
The Edinburgh Earth Initiative works to establish common ground for climate research and action across the natural, physical, biomedical, and social sciences, the arts and humanities.
Innovation
The Edinburgh Earth Initiative works to ensure positive climate impact is core to the University of Edinburgh’s innovation ecosystem by supporting industry and government partnerships, and by fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial culture among staff and students.
Partnerships
The Edinburgh Earth Initiative works to build enduring and equitable global partnerships that make significant contributions to climate and environmental challenges. We support collaborations across the world and work with regional teams across Africa, Latin America, South Asia, and South East Asia.
Students
The University of Edinburgh provides transformative learning opportunities for students to engage with and devise solutions to climate and environmental change. From fellowship programmes to scholarships – we believe in the power of education to address global challenges.




Get
Involved
There are a number of opportunities for you to get involved in the work of the Edinburgh Earth Initiative.
As a small islander, Edinburgh University was where I connected with people from all over the world who genuinely urged for urgent and ambitious climate action.
Ulfath Ibrahim
Special Envoy Office for Climate Change of the Maldives,
University of Edinburgh Graduate 2021-22
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