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A farmers field being irrigated with a centre pivot sprinkler system

Why ‘A New Vision for Water’ must consider the role of water for food security and economic growth

A profile picture of Dr Christopher Bowden. By and Filed Under: All posts, Environment, Science and Engineering Posted:

Farming and food security, in the UK, is increasingly exposed to drought and water scarcity. Yet, the UK government’s White Paper, ‘A New Vision for Water’, treats farming primarily as a source of water pollution, not as a sector whose productive capacity is closely linked to water security. The White Paper promises a once-in-a-generation reform […]

vehicle bridge crossing water

The Role of Data in Supporting Decision Making: Utilising Spatial Data and GIS for Informed Policy and Practice

Photo of Richard Kingston By Filed Under: All posts, Digital Futures, Environment, Health and Social Care, Research and development, Science and Technology Posted:

In an era marked by rapid technological advancement and ever-increasing complexity, the ability to make informed, timely decisions has never been more vital. Across government, industry, academia and the public sector, organisations are striving to integrate digital solutions that enable evidence-based policy and practical action. Here Professor Richard Kingston explores how data can lead the […]

Still trash? UK flexible plastic packaging recycling and infrastructural contraction

By Filed Under: All posts, Cities and Environment, Environment, Urban Posted:

From food packaging to washing detergent pouches, flexible plastic packaging is an increasingly common feature of everyday life. This rising use is commonly explained as part of well-meaning moves to lightweight products, shrink carbon footprints, and reduce the overall use of plastics, but despite these intentions, only a small fraction of flexible plastic packaging is […]

Large data computer

Too hot to ignore: fixing the infrastructure gap in data centre cooling

Dlzar Al Kez headshotAoife Foley headshot By and Filed Under: Cities and Environment, Digital Futures, Energy and Environment, Environment, Science and Engineering, Science and Technology Posted:

Data centres are rapidly becoming one of the most energy- and water-intensive components of the digital economy, yet their cooling systems remain largely invisible in infrastructure and climate policy. While advanced cooling technologies can significantly reduce energy and resource use, the UK lacks a national framework to guide their adoption or measure their environmental impact. […]

Securing the UK’s critical minerals future: building an ethical and resilient supply chain

Maria Sharmina By , and Filed Under: All posts, Energy and Environment, Environment, Science and Engineering, Science and Technology Posted:

The global transition to net zero hinges on securing minerals such as lithium and cobalt, which are critical for use in renewable energy technologies. Despite its rich mining heritage and expertise, the UK faces challenges in rebuilding a resilient and ethical critical minerals sector. The UK government has emphasised the importance of securing supplies of […]

Landfill bulldozer on a pile of rubbish

No room for waste – unlocking the potential of landfill mining

Daniel WelchHeadshot of Pawan Srikanth By and Filed Under: All posts, Cities and Environment, Energy and Environment, Environment Posted:

As the UK pursues its net zero goals by 2050, the transition toward a circular economy shapes practices of how resources are consumed – and how waste and resources are perceived. In this article, Pawan Srikanth and Dr Daniel Welch explore how legacy landfill sites across the UK offer pathways for the UK’s net zero […]

No one left behind: Supporting disadvantaged groups to adopt electric vehicles

Photograph of man By and Filed Under: Environment, Growth and Inclusion, Inclusive Growth Posted:

While electric vehicle (EV) sales continue to rise, EV ownership remains inaccessible to large portions of the population. Research by Helen Zheng and Arijit De addresses this by using geospatial analysis and agent-based simulations (ABSs) to identify priority areas for EV infrastructure in Greater Manchester (GM). In this article, they discuss how these steps will […]

Image of factory pollution against a sun set.

Clearing the air: pollution and cardiovascular health

Holly Shiels headshot By Filed Under: All posts, Environment, Health and Care, Health and Social Care Posted:

Air pollution is increasingly recognised as a major contributor to ill health, including cardiovascular disease. One of the most harmful chemicals released by burning fossil fuels – phenanthrene – is linked to heart disease, as well as other illnesses. Here, Professor Holly Shiels outlines work to investigate the sources of air pollution, the effect on cardiovascular health, […]

Photograph of boat

Rattling the supply chains: creating a more sustainable way to do business

Photograph of man By Filed Under: All posts, Environment Posted:

As global supply chains account for approximately 80% of global greenhouse gas emissions, sustainable supply chain management is not merely an ethical aspiration; it is a strategic imperative with far-reaching implications for economic, environmental, and social wellbeing. In this article from our publication, On Infrastructure, Dr Arijit De explores what steps policymakers and regulatory bodies […]

Industrial blue containers in background with large piles of sand in front.

Can hydrogen help decarbonise small industrial emitters?

Maria SharminaHeadshot of Dr Vincenzo Spallina. By and Filed Under: All posts, Energy and Environment, Environment, Inclusive Growth, Renewables, Research and development, Science and Technology, UK economy Posted:

Decarbonising industry, among other hard-to-abate sectors, is a high priority in the UK as the country embarks on a pathway to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The government’s focus to date has been on the decarbonisation of large-scale energy-intensive industries. However, more than a fifth of the UK’s carbon dioxide emissions come from […]

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Articles give the views of the author, and are not necessarily those of The University of Manchester.

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