How Scotland’s coral reef research could help combat climate change

Face the Facts
Publication Date
27/05/2021

Sandy Tudhope is Professor of Climate Studies and the University of Edinburgh’s Lead on Climate Responsibility and Sustainability. He is also Co-Director of the Edinburgh Ocean Leaders Programme, a new initiative designed to support the leadership of exceptional early-mid-career ocean professionals working on solutions for the oceans.

Sandy’s research focuses on the nature and drivers of tropical climate variability and change and their impact on corals, coral reefs and coastal communities. The geographical foci of his research include the tropical Pacific from Papua New Guinea in the west to the Galapagos in the east; and Madagascar, Maldives and Thailand in the Indian Ocean. He was Head of School of GeoSciences for six years, was a member of University Court for three years, and is now a member of the University’s Executive. He is helping lead on the University’s engagement with COP26.

Face the Facts

Meet some of Scotland’s leading climate researchers talking about their work in the lead up to the UN Climate Change Conference COP26.

The UK will host the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties COP26 in Glasgow on 1 – 12 November 2021. The COP26 summit will bring parties together to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.

The Royal Society of Edinburgh, Scottish Science Advisory Council and Scottish Alliance for Geoscience, Environment and Society are collaborating to highlight Scottish research and science and its contribution to understanding and tackling climate change. A broad range of researchers and practitioners in Scotland whose work relates to the Earth’s climate are being interviewed in the lead up to COP26.

Meet Scotland’s leading climate researchers in the lead up to COP26. View the rest of our Face the Facts series.

Professor Jim Skea, Co-Chair and contributor to the IPCC climate report explains what actions he would like to see emerge from COP26 | Face the Facts
Dr Rachel Helliwell explains how climate change will affect Scotland as a hydro nation | Face the Facts
Professor Paul Thompson explores the importance of maintaining marine biodiversity while expanding renewable energy sources | Face the Facts
Dr Ana Payo Payo explains the changes happening in marine wildlife due to climate change | Face the Facts
Professor Louise Horsfall explains how synthetic biology can improve the sustainability of biological processes and products | Face the Facts
Professor Wayne Powell outlines the work happening at SRUC to grow our resilience to a changing climate | Face the Facts
Dr Rebecca Wade examines the advancements in nature-based solutions that are helping to tackle climate change | Face the Facts
Professor Andy Kerr discusses how focussing on solving inequalities in society can inadvertently help tackle climate change issues | Face the Facts