Pioneering environment research at the University of Leeds has been applauded by Government's Minister for Energy Security and Net Zero.
Graham Stuart MP met with climate and net zero experts during roundtable discussions at Nexus and to attend the Climate Change Committee’s (CCC) board meeting on campus.
The roundtables included discussions on Yorkshire and Humber Climate Commission, communicating climate change, transport, innovation, net zero agriculture and Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage Energy System. The Minister met with researchers who are leading on the University Climate Plan and experts in a broad array of research areas.
It’s clear to see from my visit to the University of Leeds that it is a centre of excellence in climate research, education and innovation.”
The CCC is an independent body, established under the Climate Change Act 2008, with a purpose to advise the UK and devolved governments on emission targets. The committee also reports to Parliament on progress made in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, preparing for and adapting to the impacts of climate change.
The meeting, on 15 September, was chaired by Professor Piers Forster, Director of the Priestley Centre for Climate Futures at the University of Leeds and interim Chair of the CCC. The Priestley Centre for Climate Futures is an interdisciplinary climate research, innovation, and learning centre, using the University’s expertise to shape a better future for communities, region and the world.
Mr Stuart said: “It was good to meet members of Climate Change Committee in Leeds to discuss how we can go further and faster to reach net zero by 2050 and plan for Carbon Budget 7.
“It’s clear to see from my visit to the University of Leeds that it is a centre of excellence in climate research, education and innovation. This includes its world-leading work on CCUS, net zero agriculture and transport, which is driving forward action to help us tackle climate change.”
Graham Stuart MP (fourth from left) met environment experts during his visit to campus
Whilst on campus, the Minister visited the University’s sustainable garden, a diverse space at the heart of campus for staff, students and visitors to enjoy quiet contemplation as well as contributing to growing an edible community garden for all, with a mix of allotment and forest garden style planting.
Professor Nick Plant, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation, who met with Mr Stuart, said: “The University of Leeds is a world leader in climate change research, education and innovation. Our Priestley Centre for Climate Futures brings together experts and delivers climate action across international, national and local scales with experts taking leading roles in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the UK Climate Change Committee and several city-level climate commissions.
“It was a pleasure to welcome Minister Stuart to the University to join the Climate Change Committee and meet with our climate and net zero experts to discuss how we can make a positive impact in our world.”
Further information
For more information, please contact Rebecca Hurrey in the University of Leeds press office at r.hurrey@leeds.ac.uk
Picture Credit: Mark Bickerdike