Environment news

Lots of industrial chimneys releasing CO2 in the sky

Firms that emit more carbon face higher costs, reduced investor confidence, and greater financial instability

A new international study has found a strong link between carbon emissions and corporate financial instability.
A UK oil rig

UK oil and gas firms face hidden risks in net zero transition

Smaller companies with ageing North Sea assets were especially vulnerable to financial losses, researchers found.
A small sprout coming out of soil with edited circles around it to give it a tech/AI feel.

New AI model can measure weed growth – here's how it could help ensure global food security

A new AI model has been developed that can quickly tell how much weeds have grown – and it could help ensure global food security by accelerating the development of next generation herbicides.

hundreds of clothes on hangers

New study challenges circular fashion’s economic and environmental claims

A new study reveals that circular fashion (CF) – the practice of recycling, reselling, and renting clothing to reduce waste – might not be the green solution it claims to be.
A pile of used clothes

The world needs a circular economy. But workers in developing countries shouldn’t pay the price

The circular economy offers a fresh approach to how we produce and consume, focusing on reducing, reusing, recycling and recovering. It moves us away from the traditional “make, use, discard” model, creating a more sustainable system to balance the needs of the economy, society and nature.

A woman in a blue shirt holding an iPad with two black and white cows in the background in a farm setting

Scientists develop AI tools to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with livestock farming and land use

Loughborough University computer scientists have developed AI tools that offer insights into how greenhouse gas emissions associated with UK livestock farming and land use can be reduced.

a digital circuit board with a tree growing from it symbolising technology and its impact on the environment

How the UK’s plans for AI could derail net zero – the numbers explained

The UK government’s goal to increase public-controlled artificial intelligence computing power twentyfold by 2030 would significantly raise electricity demand. Can renewable energy supply meet it – and still have enough left over to electrify sectors like heating and transport, which must be fully decarbonised by 2050?
Cyanobacteria filaments under a microscope.

Scientists unravel how ancient bacteria weave living mats – solving one of nature’s oldest mysteries (FEATURE)

Scientists have uncovered how cyanobacteria — Earth's first photosynthetic organisms — self-organise into intricate living mats, offering insights into aquatic ecosystems and potential inspiration for material design.
A globe sitting on moss in a forest

Loughborough's global impact highlighted at COP 29

This year’s United Nations Conference of the Parties (COP 29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, marked a significant milestone in global climate change discussions, with Loughborough playing an active role in shaping the conversation.

athletes on the starting line in an open water swim race

Research reveals health risks caused by swimmers’ core body temperatures during open water competitions

A study led by Loughborough University has revealed divergent challenges caused by swimmers’ core body temperatures during elite open water swimming competitions.
Two women cooking in a kitchen using an electric cooker

£44 million Government funding boost will help give 10 million people worldwide access to clean cooking

A Loughborough University led research programme to rapidly accelerate the global transition from biomass to clean cooking has been awarded an additional £44 million of UK Aid funding.
A road running through an African village, with people going about their daily activities

Loughborough academics showcase sustainable energy research at COP 29

Researchers from Loughborough University are in Baku, Azerbaijan, to join climate leaders at COP29, the United Nations’ annual global climate summit.
A brightly coloured data centre

World heading towards a “data doomsday” as demand outstrips energy supply

New research by Loughborough University warns that global renewable electricity supply will be unable to meet the surging demand from digital data by 2025.
Small cubes with the H for hydrogen symbol on

Budget 2024 is a positive step towards achieving NetZero, says Loughborough expert

Loughborough University academics have reacted to Rachel Reeves’ 2024 Budget welcoming her plans for green growth.
Water vole at the Holnicote Estate

Pioneering river restoration has increased aquatic habitats by 1,800% creating significant benefits for nature

A pioneering environmental scheme has added more than 16 acres – 10 football pitches worth – of waterscapes and wetland to a National Trust site thanks to a new river restoration technique.
A headshot of Professor Ed Brown

Loughborough academic backs G20 call to prioritise clean cooking

A Loughborough University researcher has advocated for global action to expand universal access to clean cooking at a G20 technical workshop in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil.
A picture of Dr Jack Matthews, Charnwood Forest Regional Park Board Chair, Cllr Martin Cartwright, Jo Jennings, Visiting member of Loughborough University, and Professor Dan Parsons, Loughborough University's Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation

Loughborough University announces agreement with local geopark

Loughborough University has announced a wide-ranging agreement with the organisation behind Charnwood Forest’s bid to become a UNESCO Global Geopark.

Flagship Net Zero research and innovation projects shortlisted for international awards

Two of the University’s flagship Net Zero research and innovation projects are shortlisted for the international IET Innovation and Excellence Awards, which recognise ground-breaking innovations and best practices in Engineering, Science, and Technology.
Jeevun Sandher MP, Darren Jones MP and Chief Secretary to the Treasury during a recent visit to Intelligent Energy, with Vice President, Business Development, Dennis Hayter.

Loughborough opens the HyDEX Hydrogen Summer School

Loughborough University’s hydrogen research and innovation cluster opens the Hydrogen Summer School on 9 September – a week-long programme for industry, civic and research audiences to network and learn more about hydrogen technologies and applications.
rural Zimbabwe mountains in the background three huts in the foreground

Green energy for all: Zimbabwe will need a new social contract to roll out projects like solar power

The Zimbabwean government is racing against time to meet the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 7: affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all by 2030. However, the race towards green energy is top-down and mostly privatised. New technology is being introduced or sold to individuals or small families, but renewable energy is not being made part of a decent life for the entire community. Sustainable transitions researchers Ellen Fungisai Chipango and Long Seng To have researched ways to use the communal ethic of African ubuntu, expressed as “a person is a person through other persons”, in the rollout of renewable energy.
three men hold a flag which states pedal for paris

Loughborough commits to Sport England’s Going for Green Pledge

Loughborough University has underlined its commitment to sustainability in sport by signing Sport England’s Going for Green Pledge.
An aerial shot of a typical British street with the sun in the background

Loughborough academic sees the UK moving to a more Mediterranean style of living as heat waves increase

A Loughborough University academic has prophesised that we could see the UK turn to a more Mediterranean style of living to deal with a rise in the number of heatwaves, claiming that air conditioning is not necessarily the answer.

the skyline of paris, france

Environmental challenges expected in Paris – new study

A new Loughborough University review article in the number one ranked Journal in the Sport Sciences, the British Journal of Sports Medicine, outlines the various environmental challenges athletes competing at Paris 2024 this summer will face.
Two pairs of hands holding a grass earth

Loughborough-led climate programme receives £57m funding boost

A Loughborough University led climate programme will continue to carry out “transformative” work until 2030 – after receiving a £57m boost from the UK government.
An animated snapshot of water-filled glass

Loughborough study finds potential conflict with new window technologies

A Loughborough University led paper has found a “possible conflict” between the advancement in new window technologies and their goal to be more carbon neutral.