Biodiversity is a complex term with a range of definitions and contestations and a powerful reach across environmental work, legislation, and popular culture (Callaway, 2020). Understandings of the concept include the variety of different species in an ecosystem, the nature and intensity of their interactions, and the roles each species plays. These understandings are complex […]
Biodiversity loss is advancing at a rapid rate, the Living Planet Report (2020) outlines five prominent threats to biodiversity: Newcastle University undertakes multiple actions to protect and enhance biodiversity on campus as part of its commitment to environmental sustainability. If you would like to learn more about Newcastle University’s commitment to biodiversity you can read […]
The biodiversity conference occurs every two years and took place last month in Montreal, Canada. Within this summit an extremely important discussion surrounding a potential international biodiversity framework was the centre of goals and targets regarding biodiversity. The importance of thriving biodiversity and the significance of the biodiversity crisis has been summarised succinctly here: “Nature […]
On the last Friday in January, Newcastle University joined in with households, schools, and parks for the UK’s biggest citizen science survey, the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch. Despite the wind, cold and the threat of rain, participants met in Drummond Quad. We were armed with layers, binoculars, bird ID sheets and patience. The Quad is […]
Veganuary is a global movement that encourages people to commit to a vegan diet for 31 days in January. Started in 2014 by the UK charity Veganuary, people from over 228 countries have participated in the challenge over the last ten years, and over three-quarters of people in the UK have heard of Veganuary. This […]
On a snowy November lunchtime, in icy air, colleagues from across the University joined the Sustainability team at Kings Gate stairs for a tour of the trees. Despite the unfavourable conditions the group remained undeterred, donning layers to shield the cold and a particularly brilliant array of hats. Once participants had a chance to download the iNaturalist app and join the Newcastle University Campus […]
Over the last week in October, the Sustainability Team had the joy of joining the Great North Museum for Hibernation Half-Term. Throughout the vast Living Planet Gallery were a collection of stations for visiting kids and accompanying adults. Each had a unique offer, whether it was making a paper bat puppet, stroking (gently) a taxidermy hedgehog, […]
Today, we’re celebrating one of the world’s most overlooked yet vital ecosystems – peatlands! Whether it’s bogs, fens, swamps, or marshes, these incredible landscapes play a crucial role in the fight against climate change, biodiversity loss, and water pollution. Although peatlands cover just 3% of the Earth’s surface, they are the largest terrestrial carbon store […]