Climate Action
Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
UN Sustainable Development Goals
17 Sustainable Development Goals are at the core of the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. They represent a blueprint for peace and prosperity that all its member states adopted in 2015.
Find out more about how Newcastle University is working towards these goals to help create a better and fairer world.
Our activity
Climate Action Plan
Newcastle University published its Climate Action Plan in 2021. The Climate Action Plan outlines the action we will take in response to the climate crisis.
We have a target of net-zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2030. This ambitious target acknowledges the seriousness and urgency of the need for action.
Carbon management at the University has been successfully reducing emissions for many years. We are continuing this work in haste.
Climate action in Newcastle upon Tyne
Newcastle was the first city in the UK where the main public sector carbon emitters all declared a climate emergency. These institutions were:
- Newcastle University
- Newcastle City Council
- the Newcastle upon Tyne NHS Trust
Since the declaration, the University, the Council and the Trust all have net zero targets.
The University works with partners, including local and regional government, through Net Zero North East England (NZNE) to provide an assessment of the progress so far and identify future risks and opportunities.
Centre for Climate and Environmental Resilience
One of our Newcastle University Centres of Research Excellence (NUCoREs) is the Centre for Climate and Environmental Resilience.
This centre researches the issues caused by climate change and the resilience needed to limit the effects. They shape policy and aim to increase resilience across the country and globally.
Weather Academy
In partnership with the Met Office and Network Rail, we are developing new training programmes in climate and weather literacy. These are for Network Rail and other infrastructure operators.
The Weather Academy launched with a week-long workshop. This brought together rail operations staff, asset engineers and meteorology experts. The workshop explored how we run a safer, more reliable service during adverse and extreme weather.
Climate Education in Schools
Professor Hayley Fowler is among experts taking part in a Climate Ambassador Scheme. The scheme supports local schools and colleges by providing free advice to help them develop their own climate plans.
Examples of activities that Climate Ambassadors might get involved in include:
- teacher training days
- fact-checking resources for teachers
- advice to school leaders or governors on cutting carbon emissions
- making practical suggestions on when to schedule sports days to avoid heat stress