Press release
Parliamentary praise for University’s environmental accolade
Published on 20 July 2021
The University of Dundee has been hailed in the Scottish Parliament after being ranked top in the UK for climate action
A motion has been submitted by Maggie Chapman MSP, congratulating the University after it received the accolade in the latest edition of the Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings.
The rankings recognise that the role of universities extends beyond research and teaching to a third mission revolving around engagement, knowledge exchange and innovation for societal good. They measure the global higher education sector’s success in delivering the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The rankings include more than 1100 universities from 94 countries across the world. Dundee is ranked 1st in the UK and 5th globally against the Climate Action SDG. The table measures universities’ research on climate change, their use of energy and their preparations for dealing with the consequences of climate change.
“A huge congratulations to the University of Dundee on this achievement and well done to all the staff and students for their hard work towards this,” said Ms Chapman.
“In the year of COP26, when all eyes will be on Scotland, it is great that one of our universities can showcase the kinds of actions we should all be prioritising to contribute to the most important challenge of our time – tackling the climate emergency.”
This November will see Glasgow host the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), with governments from around the globe meeting to discuss how we can protect our world from climbing temperatures.
Ahead of this hugely significant summit, the University will be highlighting some of the research it undertakes to raise awareness of our warming planet.
Professor Volker Roeben, from the University’s COP26 group, said, “COP26 will be the most significant discussion about the future of our planet since the signing of the Paris Climate Accord in 2015.
“To have this hugely significant event taking place in Scotland gives us a once in a lifetime opportunity to engage with the public about our research, sharing what we have learned about our planet and the increasing threat that human activity poses to it.”
For more on the University’s activity in the lead up to COP26, please visit the dedicated webpage.