The Sustainability and Climate Change research beacon focuses on understanding, mitigating, and adapting to the challenges posed by climate change and resource scarcity in a growing world. We develop solutions and strategies that promote environmentally sustainable development, reducing the impact of human activities on the planet, and fostering resilience in the face of climate-related challenges. Researchers within this beacon collaborate with stakeholders worldwide, including national governments, non-governmental organisations, and major industries to address critical issues related to sustainability and climate change. Our work aligns research efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to address global challenges related to poverty, inequality, climate action, and environmental conservation: we work to address the disproportionate impacts of environmental degradation and climate change on marginalised communities, and advocate for equitable and just solutions.
Sustainability and Climate Change
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Climate Change Modelling and Mitigation
Climate Science and Modelling
Maynooth University researchers are amongst the forefront of worldwide climate science. We investigate the mechanisms and drivers of climate change, assessing its impacts on a global and local scale. Our internationally-recognised research in geospatial mapping and multi-layer data analytics supports the operation and development of models to predict future climate trends and the impacts of emerging national policies.
Climate Policy and Governance
Analysing the effectiveness of climate policies, financial incentives, and governance structures at the local, national, and international levels and identifying opportunities for policy innovation and collaboration. We collaborate with policymakers, environmental agencies, communities, and industry leaders to develop, implement, and monitor effective and sustainable solutions to help mitigate climate change and promote environmental sustainability. We recognise the urgent need to address the global climate crisis and is committed to advancing knowledge and innovations that contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future for the planet.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation
We develop strategies to build resilience in communities, infrastructure, and ecosystems to adapt to the impacts of climate change, such as extreme weather events and rising sea levels. Our plant biochemistry researchers contribute to selective breeding programmes and basic research to improve stress tolerance, nutrient efficiency, and disease resistance amongst critical food crops in a changing climate.
Environmental Conservation and Biodiversity
We explore the interplay between climate and arboreal ecosystems to restore resilience to extreme weather, and lead research into carbon storage amongst Ireland’s unique blanket bog wetlands. Through the preservation and restoration of Ireland’s ecosystems, we can protect critical biodiversity and natural resources to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change and human activities on the environment.
Sustainable Systems and Efficient Industries
Sustainable Business and Consumption
Our research promotes sustainable business practices and responsible consumption patterns to minimise the environmental footprint of energy-intensive industries and individuals, monitored through robust and reliable ESG metrics. Datacentres in particular have become critical infrastructure for our digital economy and data consumption habits: the Beacon hosts world-leading researchers developing power management and code-efficiency systems to maximise their utility whilst minimising their drain on resources.
Renewable Energy and Green Technologies
By advancing the use of renewable energy sources and green technologies to reduce carbon emissions, we promote a more sustainable energy landscape for Ireland and the world. We build systems to exploit Ireland’s natural wealth of sustainable energy and develop storage solutions through our internationally-recognised expertise in electrochemistry and catalysis. Our work on energy systems integration focusses on injecting sustainable energy systems and management into everyday business practice, with a multidisciplinary focus across electric engineering, data science, business, and social sciences.