How have plants adapted over centuries or millennia to survive and recover from human interference? David Moreno-Mateos and his team are analysing tree species in Brazil’s Amazon Rainforest to find out, and to help inform and improve future restoration practice.
News
Why ‘de-extinct’ dire wolves are a Trojan horse to hide humanity’s destruction of nature
In a thought-provoking feature for The Conversation, Dr Rich Grenyer, Associate Professor in Biodiversity and Biogeography, examines the ethical and ecological concerns surrounding de-extinction, arguing that the allure of reviving species like dire wolves risks diverting attention from the ongoing human-driven destruction of the natural world.
Antony Farag named on Powerful Media's 2021 Future Leaders list
Congratulations to Tony Farag (BA in Geography) for his inclusion in the 2021 Future Leaders list. Future Leaders is an annual publication which profiles 150 of the UK's most outstanding African and African Caribbean students and new graduates. Click here and turn to page 9 to find out more about Tony.
IN THE MEDIA
Net Zero pledges go global, now action needs to follow words - Oxford-ECIU report
Net zero targets now cover two thirds of the global economy, according to a report today from Oxford Net Zero and the ECIU (Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit) - even though it was only a decade ago that Oxford climate scientists first showed the need to reach net zero emissions. However, despite the rapid progress, the study reveals that only 20% of these targets currently meet quality tests. The report was co-authored by Dr Steve Smith at the Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment.
IN THE MEDIA
Oxford's ambitious Environmental Sustainability Strategy is approved
Oxford University approves its Environmental Sustainability Strategy aiming for net zero carbon and biodiversity net gain by 2035. Includes comment by Prof Myles Allen, Professor of Geosystem Science at SoGE and leader of climate research programme Oxford Net Zero.
IN THE MEDIA
Census 2021 will reveal how a year of lockdowns and furlough has transformed the UK
Danny Dorling discusses the pros and cons of the 2021 census, commenting how it will provide a clearer picture of the inequalities that have come to light since the beginning of the pandemic in his latest piece for The Conversation.
IN THE MEDIA
Finding inspiration in your back garden - and from the past
Yadvinder Malhi, Professor of Ecosystems Science, authors a new blog explaining how he found solace and refuge in local nature over this year of pandemic and lockdown. Read in full on the University's Science Blog.
IN THE MEDIA
To what extent does climate change affect food insecurity? What we found in Lesotho
Large-scale droughts can have cascading impacts on food security. They can reduce yield, increase food prices, trigger changes in consumption and lead to unstable supply. Dr Fredi Otto and Jasper Verschuur explore the situation in Lesotho in The Conversation.
IN THE MEDIA
If Boris Johnson is serious about levelling up, he would plan for a 2026 census now
Professor Danny Dorling shares concern that this month's census would not give an accurate picture of Britain due to lockdown measures, stating that an extra census in 2026 would show whether the government's aim of "levelling up" poorer areas was working. Read in full via The Guardian.
IN THE MEDIA
Are we on track for a green recovery? Not Yet. Hundreds attend Oxford-UN eco event.
International spending on COVID-19 economic recovery is falling short of aspirations to build back more sustainably, according to a report today from the Economic Recovery Project, backed by UNEP. However, a green recovery is still achievable and could lead directly to higher economic returns and social co-benefits.
IN THE MEDIA
New study incorporates blue carbon science into climate policy solutions
New research led by Dr Lisa Wedding, published this week in Global Environmental Change, investigates the carbon-capturing potential of habitats along the California coast and details pathways incorporating blue carbon habitats into climate change policy.
NEWS
Virtual pollination trade uncovers our dependence on the biodiversity of developing countries
An interesting new paper explores the concept of Virtual Pollination Flow - the proportion of exported products that result from pollinator action - and how societies around the world depend on each other for food security.
IN THE MEDIA
