climate change case studies

  • geoengineering the ocean - a viable solution to our climate crisis

    written by dr elena kazamia, this case study focuses on the circular economy; an alternative to a traditional linear economy (make, use, dispose), in which we keep resources in use for as long as possible, extract the maximum value from them while in use, then recover and regenerate products and materials at the end of each service life.

  • understanding soil carbon storage in tropical forest

    maintaining the health of our soils has gained increasing prominence in recent years. soils are essential for the global food system and regulate water, carbon and nitrogen cycles but are put under pressure from population growth and climate change. learn more in this case study by dr emma sayer.

  • bioplastic production from waste methane

    this case study, written by benedict claxton stevens, focuses on the production of the bioplastic polyhydroxybutyrate (phb) and its related co-polymers from bacteria offers a green solution to the current plastic crisis.

  • painting with bacteria could capture carbon and yield biofuels for a sustainable energy supply

    this case study by professor joseph keddie explores the exciting applications of biocoating, a type of water-based paint encapsulating live bacteria, including food packaging, bioremediation and ‘living’ paints for sustainable energy.

  • bio-upcycling of plastic waste

    the ‘take-make-dispose’ culture associated in particular with single-use plastics has resulted in serious plastic waste accumulation. this case study by tanja narancic explores the role of micro-organisms in the circular economy of plastics.

  • fixing the problem of nitrogen limitation in agriculture

    this case study is written by carolin schulte and focuses on soil health, which is essential for the global food system and regulate water, carbon and nitrogen cycles but are put under pressure from population growth and climate change.

 

more climate change related resources 


image credits: 

august 2012, nasa archives
laëtitia bréchet
istock/antonbr anton
joseph keddie and suzie hingley-wilson
istock/artisteer
istock/undefined undefined

istock/chinnapong
istock/sofiaworld