SDG 14 - Durham University

Environmental, Social and Economic Sustainability

An icon showing a graphic of a fish beneath waves

Examples of our actions towards SDG 14

Our conservation projects cover both on land and below water. For example the maintenance/creation of ponds and the recreation of long lost ponds is a key priority, we record populations of amphibians, a clear indication of water quality, and we have otters breeding along the river.

Read our brochure on commitment to preserve nature The Paris Climate Agreement & Future Sea Level Ris

Research

One of our professors has used genetics to identify the birthplace of a grey whale which was discovered nearly halfway round the world from its native habitat, a new record for the longest recorded distance for a marine mammal, fish or reptile.The sighting of this whale so far from its native habitat could have conservation implications if they are able to explore new habitats in a changing world.

Whale migration raises conservation questions

Grey whale tale by NOAA and Dr. Steven Swartz

Living the Values

Durham University operates an employer supported volunteering scheme, enabling University staff members to volunteer for up to 5 days (or 35 hours) per year during worktime. Opportunities range from individual placements utilising an individual’s professional experience, to departmental team challenges involving practical tasks. Read our story on Seaham beach clean

Volunteer story on Seaham beach clean

Wider student Experience

We organise free lectures on a host of topics, for example 'Human Healthcare and the Ocean'. Healthcare Ocean are a group of motivated individuals from healthcare, marine science, environmental/public health, commercial shipping and active living. We work in our own time to ensure ocean health is considered and where appropriate included within healthcare strategy.

Find out more about our free events

Global

Antarctic sea ice is an important part of the climate system, because it affects the transfer of heat and carbon between the oceans and the atmosphere, and supports unique ecosystems which are intricately linked to cycles of sea ice advance and retreat. Find out how there is uncertainty about how Antarctic sea ice and its ecosystems will respond to a warming climate.

Reconstructing Antarctic sea ice environments

Policy and Governance

Durham research has been at the forefront of developing methods to measure the efficacy of fish passes. Accordingly, a wide variety of stakeholders (including the European Union, Environment Agency, and Natural England) have altered their policies to improve river connectivity for a wider range of fish species.

Prof Lucas's research has been at the forefront of developing methods to measure the efficacy of fish passes. The team demonstrated that conventional fish passes can be ineffective for a variety of species. Accordingly, a wide variety of stakeholders (including the European Union, Environment Agency, and Natural England) have altered their policies to improve river connectivity for a wider range of fish species.

Reducing Impacts of River Engineering Infrastructure on Fish Migration

Annual Report - SDG 14

Throughout our annual report we highlight examples where our work is contributing towards the SDGs. For example we have introduced strong environmental policies & procedures. We’re working to reduce our carbon emissions and to promote increased awareness of environmental issues. We have produced an updated Sustainability Action Plan using the Climate Action Toolkit from EAUC, to improve our performance in strategic areas such as waste and water

Annual report - SDG 14

SDG 14 Catchment and Rivers

A key focus of the Catchments and Rivers cluster is on monitoring and modelling the interactions and feedbacks between geomorphology, hydrology, vegetation, and water chemistry in hillslope and river systems. Find out more about the various work of our researchers in this area

Catchments and Rivers