Climate change and resource management

Climate change is an urgent environmental and social challenge. Social, political, and economic drivers - and ultimately human behaviour - are all significant contributors to climate change, meaning that the social sciences are crucial to tackling the challenges of the climate crisis.

Oxford's social sciences researchers are working across a range of disciplines and in collaboration with climate scientists to contribute to global efforts on climate change, including the some of the biggest challenges presented by climate change - and some you may not have thought of. Here you'll find news, expert insights, events and activites, and links to further resources about the ways in which Oxford's social scientists are combatting the climate emergency.

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Social sciences: Making an impact

Dr Nick Banks and Tim Bailey stand next to a heat punp

Clean Heat Streets

A partnership with Samsung Research UK

Illustration of a woman using a smart meter, which is connected to a map of energy use across her home, including radiator, boiler, washing machine, kettle, and a smart device playing music

Effective householder engagement powers smart meter success

Mr Dan Snow, Ms Martha Kirby, Dr Stephen Fisher and Dr Zack Grant smile as they hold their Highly Commended certificate, flanked by impact awards branding at the Museum of Natural History

Influencing public and government awareness of climate change attitudes

How Climate Smart Cocoa builds sustainable communities

Climate and the environment at Oxford

Rising global temperatures are driving changes in sea level and contributing to extreme weather conditions, causing catastrophic impacts on human life and a decline in the planet's biodiversity. The undergraduates joining Oxford in 2025 are likely to experience the greatest change in climate of any generation since we emerged from the ice age - but there is hope.

With the ingenuity that they and Oxford represent, by the time this generation retire, global warming could be history. So how is Oxford addressing the climate crisis? Discover the University's latest campaign, Climate & the Environment, to learn more.

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Climate-related research and intiatives across the Social Sciences Division

CO2 Removal Hub (CO2RE Hub)

Backed by seven institutions and led by the Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment, this is the largest GGR programme funded by the UK government to date.

Oxford Martin Programme on Integrating Renewable Energy

Providing frameworks for both governments and industries to integrate renewable energy sources into the mainstream, in order to help them achieve targets on carbon emissions.

Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment

The Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment, University of Oxford, has worked at the forefront of climate, environment and sustainability research since 2008.

Oxford Net Zero

Informed by leading climate researchers, this platform brings together principles and policies, practical tools, and progress tracking to help businesses and policymakers achieve our goal of net zero emissions.

Oxford Sustainable Law Programme

Bringing the law to science, and science to the law: helping academics, policymakers, and practitioners around the world to advance sustainability outcomes.

REACH: Improving water security for the poor

Building capacity for climate resilience.

UK Centre for Greening Finance & Investment

A national centre established to accelerate the adoption and use of climate and environmental data and analytics by financial institutions internationally. It will unlock opportunities for the UK to lead in greening finance and financing green.