Detailed information can be found at the NZPS DTP website: http://nzps-dtp.ac.uk

Hitting Net Zero

The UK has committed to reach net-zero by 2050, building on goals set out in the Industrial Strategy, Clean Growth Strategy, 25-year Environment Plan, and in regional policies. Establishing Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) was a pivotal moment, and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) aims to play a central role in delivering the UK net-zero commitment by developing technological solutions and training skilled leaders.

Job creation

There is demand for climate-literate STEM graduates, and higher education must deliver the senior leaders needed for growth in decarbonising sectors. Although it has been estimated that up to 725,000 green jobs could be created by 2030, the IEMA estimates there may be a 200,000 shortfall due to a skills gap. NZPS aims to address these gaps by training the first generation of doctoral graduates with the skills to drive innovation in sustainable environmental science, supporting the UK’s 2050 net zero ambition.

Polar science is vital in a changing environment

Environmental science underpins climate assessments, informs efforts to meet sustainable development goals, and addresses global risks that are dominated by environmental change (especially cryospheric).

Addressing knowledge gaps

Despite its prominence within the climate and ecological emergencies, polar science has major knowledge gaps owing to difficulties in surveying remote environments. These gaps limit our ability to make reliable projections; deeper understanding of submarine cavities, ice sheet grounding lines, ice cliff failure, ice shelf fracture, ice rheology, mountain glacier runoff, sea ice thickness, polar ocean circulation, atmospheric rivers, primary productivity, and habitat change are all needed. Addressing these challenges urgently requires a step change in capability, including increased use of digital twins, satellite observations, AI, and autonomous sensing.

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