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David Rippin, PhotoRippin.com

Research with a view

COP26 may have ended, but the University of York's environment research continues.

This exhibition features images of University of York researchers as they conduct their climate change-related studies. From the Arctic to here on our doorstep in York, it’s a snapshot of the vital work underway at the University.

Explore our gallery

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Our research is finding new uses for waste that would normally go to landfill. Image credit: Biorenewables Development Centre.

Turning muck into brass: Much of our agricultural and food waste is sent to landfill where, apart from being a wasted resource, it emits dangerous greenhouse gases as it rots. Technologists at our Biorenewables Development Centre in Dunnington are exploring ways to convert this untapped resource into valuable new products including pharmaceuticals and biofuels. Find out more about this research. Image credit: Biorenewables Development Centre
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Dr Bryce Stewart tracks the recovery of marine life in the No Take Zone in Lamlash Bay, Arran. Image credit: Howard Wood.

Marine conservation begins at home: The world’s oceans are facing a biodiversity crisis, but researchers at the University of York are working with Scottish coastal communities to help protect and restore marine ecosystems. We've demonstrated that a Marine Protected Area off the Isle of Arran is benefiting marine biodiversity. This work is influencing policy and inspiring other communities, in the UK and around the world. Find out more about this research. Image credit: Howard Wood
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Collecting water at a public tap in Kathmandu. Image credit: Richard Friend.

Water of life: Access to water for many households in cities of the global South is unequal, with supplies prone to failure. Researchers at York are working with local partners in Nepal and Thailand to assess risks and build urban futures that are equitable and resilient. Find out more about this research. Collecting water at a public tap in Kathmandu. Image credit: Richard Friend.
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The gribble could hold the key to greener biofuels.

Unravelling the mysteries of the gribble gut: Scientists at York are studying the amazing wood digesting powers of the gribble, a tiny sea creature that burrows into wooden boats and piers in search of food and shelter. Armed with that digestive knowledge, our experts aim to develop new ways to break down woody waste into environmentally friendly fuel. Find out more about this research. Image credit: Katrin Besser
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An ostrich is confronted with a new railway built through a protected area in the Nairobi National Park. Image credit: Rob Marchant.

Don’t stick your head in the sand: New road and rail links across Kenya and Tanzania are great news for local people - and the economy. But sometimes they are built at the expense of wildlife, damaging habitats and creating barriers on migration routes. Our researchers are working with communities in East Africa to balance the needs of nature and economic development. Find out more about this research. Image credit: Rob Marchant
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Researchers on a glacier called Kårsaglaciären. Photo credit: David Rippin - PhotoRippin.com

Slipping away: As ice sheets and glaciers melt across the globe, our researchers visited Arctic Sweden to explore a glacier called Kårsaglaciären. This glacier is losing mass rapidly - we used radar to examine the structure of the glacier to help us understand its decline. Find out more about this research. Image credit: David Rippin, PhotoRippin.com
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Crops can be grown all year round under controlled conditions. Image credit: Katherine Denby

Growing the future: Our researchers have teamed up with a farming technology company to create ‘Grow it York', an eco-friendly indoor vertical farm growing herbs and leafy salad crops in a controlled environment - without soil. You’ll find the new community farm in Spark:York container park in Piccadilly. Find out more about this research. Image credit: Katherine Denby
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Researchers drill into a pingo to measure levels of methane in the spring water below. Image credit: AV Turchyn

Drilling into the pingo puzzle: Pingos are dome-shaped mounds found in the Arctic when water freezes and pushes soil towards the surface. They reach up to 50m high and can act as direct links between deep sources of methane-enriched water, allowing methane - a potent greenhouse gas - to reach the atmosphere. Our research aims to measure the amount of methane released from these unusual Arctic features. Find out more about this research. Image credit: AV Turchyn
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Solar PV-powered health clinic in Tengua village, Zambezia province. Image credit: Joshua Kirshner

Power in their hands: Large parts of Sub-Saharan Africa lack access to electricity and clean cooking fuels - and demand is expected to rise as its population grows. Our researchers studied community energy projects in central Mozambique as part of a project to understand how ‘rising powers’ such as China, India, and Brazil are supporting the transition to low carbon energy systems in southern Africa. Find out more about this research. Image credit: Joshua Kirshner
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Sheets of cellulose produced from deconstructed waste could be used to make textiles. Image credit: Alex Holland.

From rubbish to ready-to-wear: The fashion industry is responsible for more greenhouse gas emissions than aviation and shipping combined. At York, scientists are producing cellulose from wheat straw to make textiles. The work is part of a project exploring the use of waste including textiles and rubbish to manufacture more sustainable clothes. Find out more about this research. Image credit: Alex Holland
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What teachers and young people want from their environmental education: This is the front cover of a manifesto for education for environmental sustainability produced following workshops, led by researchers at York and King’s College London, with over 200 teachers and young people. The manifesto calls for changes in education so that young people learn to live differently to protect, preserve and mend the environment for current and future generations. Find out more about this research. Image credit: Maisy Summer 

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Funders and partners

Economic and Social Research Council Festival of Social Sciences University of York