26 January 2010
The University recognises the importance of developing vital solutions to some of the world’s most significant threats. Research projects concentrating efforts on key areas such as global change are essential to our future. As part of the University’s Centenary Campaign, fundamental research is being carried out to develop sustainable approaches to the issues that we face; as rapid changes to our environment become ever more challenging.Sir David Attenborough (Honorary LLD 1977), who is renowned for his work on natural history, recently commented on the subject of ocean acidification research at Bristol, stating
The oceans, which cover the majority of our planet, have a huge effect on all our lives. Their fish provide a great deal of our food. Microscopic plants in their surface waters are major factors in maintaining the oxygen in our atmosphere. But they are becoming increasingly acidic. The effect could be catastrophic. Research into this alarming problem could not be more important or urgent.
To maximise the impact of this work, the University hopes to recruit talented researchers with the support of alumni and friends. With donations made to the Centenary Campaign helping to drive forward research and engineering solutions, we can better understand and tackle the effects of climate change on our society.