ECI Research
In the Environmental Change Institute we are responding to the challenges of environmental change through an interdisciplinary and integrated programme of:
- Research to advance understanding of the processes of change in complex human and natural systems;
- Exploration of sustainable solutions and the ways in which they can be appraised, monitored and adapted in a changing environment;
- Partnership and education to motivate and enable change for the better.
Understanding processes of change
The ECI is advancing understanding of processes of change in complex human and natural systems. Our work provides insights into the implications of unmitigated change and the evidence upon which to base the evaluation of possible responses to change.
Highlights include research on:
- Tropical forests, including a global programme of monitoring and modelling;
- Attribution of climate change and impacts at regional and local scales;
- Changing risks of flooding on rivers and coasts;
- National assessment modelling of ecosystems and climate risks;
- Changing patterns of consumption and energy demand.
We are seeking to understand the interdependence of these processes of change, from local to global scales.
View a full list of research projects relating to this theme
Exploring sustainable solutions
The ECI’s work is focussed upon proposing and understanding the potential responses to environmental change. This process of exploring sustainable solutions takes a number of forms, including testing policy options, critically appraising governance arrangements and designing adaptation pathways. The aim is to provide decision makers, including policy-makes, businesses and communities, with the evidence needed to identify, implement and manage sustainable systems.
Highlights include research on:
- Household renewable energy technologies.
- Energy demand management.
- Adaptation of national infrastructure systems.
- Tropical forest governance.
- Climate mitigation policy and governance arrangement.
View a full list of research projects relating to this theme
Influencing change through education and partnership
The ECI’s aim of influencing change for the better is achieved through a multi-layered and enduring network of partnerships.
The ECI runs Oxford University’s most popular science MSc programme, in Environmental Change and Management (ECM). We know from our alumni network that our ECM graduates hold positions of responsibility in environmental management throughout the world.
Most of our research projects are conducted in collaboration with stakeholders in government, industry and communities. UKCIP, which has been hosted within the ECI for the last 14 years, has particular expertise in connecting climate and adaptation science with practical decision makers. We lead and facilitate networks of knowledge exchange locally, nationally and globally.
View a full list of research projects relating to this theme
