Environment
Our programmes range from developing better plastics to understanding the illegal wildlife trade, and from accelerating the adoption of renewable energy to better management of the high seas. Conserving the natural systems on which all human life depends requires action on many fronts, and we provide new understanding, insights and ideas to ensure that solutions to pressing environmental challenges can be found.
Latest
Global food systems driving twin crises of obesity and global heating
A major review in Frontiers in Science warns that unsustainable food systems pose an urgent threat to both human health and the climate.
Reforming the UK food system isn’t just an imperative, it’s an opportunity
Speaking at a first-of-its-kind National Emergency Briefing on climate change, Professor Paul Behrens outlines the urgent need to reform the UK food system – and the diverse benefits this would bring for farmers, the public and nature.
What we told UK leaders about climate and nature at a national emergency briefing
Reflections on COP30 in Belém
Researchers from across the University of Oxford were at COP30 in Belém, taking part in side events, presenting new research, and working with partners to support the negotiations and inform the wider political process. They included the Directors of two of our major programmes, Nathalie Seddon from our Agile initiative and Thomas Hale from the Oxford Martin Programme on Climate Policy.
Featured Article
It's time for ‘adaptation smart’ credit ratings that account for climate change
Sovereign credit ratings should account for climate risks and adaptation efforts to avoid underestimating financial exposure and incentivize investments in climate resilience, especially in vulnerable regions
New research reveals that without "adaptation-smart" credit ratings, countries face increased risks of economic downgrades due to climate impacts, but significant investment in adaptation can mitigate these effects.
Read the articleforthcoming events
'The (missing) third pillar: why climate policy needs to get serious about carbon management' with Prof Ottmar Edenhofer
22nd January 2026: 5:00pm
Registration Required
Panel Discussion: 'COP30 Debrief: Insights and reflections from the University of Oxford delegation'
27th January 2026: 12:30pm
Registration Required
people
View allYadvinder Malhi
Professor of Ecosystem Science
Myles Allen
Professor of Geosystem Science
Jim Hall
Professor of Climate and Environmental Risks
E.J. Milner-Gulland
Tasso Leventis Professor of Biodiversity
Michael Obersteiner
Director of the Environmental Change Institute, University of Oxford
Nathalie Seddon
Professor of Biodiversity
Cameron Hepburn
Battcock Professor of Environmental Economics
Lavanya Rajamani
Professor of International Environmental Law
Radhika Khosla
Associate Professor in the School of Geography and the Environment
Hannah Ritchie
Senior Researcher and Deputy Editor and Science Outreach Lead at Our World in Data
Thom Wetzer
Founding Director of the Oxford Sustainable Law Programme
Programmes
View allKeep in touch
If you found this page useful, sign up to our monthly digest of the latest news and events
Subscribe