From the Arctic to the Antarctic, we’re leading on research into the effect of climate change on the world’s ice sheets – and advising global policymakers on how to protect them.
Our award-winning geography researchers are leading the way in understanding past and current changes to these vitally important stores of ice and what their fate might be.
Through interdisciplinary research, their work is informing discussions around global policy to curb temperature increases and combat the threat of rising sea levels.
Research led by Professor Chris Stokes found that efforts to limit the global temperature increase to 1.5°C may not go far enough to save the world’s ice sheets.
Professor Stokes presented these findings at the COP30 UN Climate Change Conference in Brazil.
He was part of a Durham University COP30 delegation from our Geography Department, Business School, and Law School who had official observer status at the conference.
Dr Caroline Clason also played a key role in a major new international report. Co-ordinated by the UK National Commission for UNESCO, Glaciers and Ice Sheets in a Warming World: Impacts and Outcomes looks at the consequences of melting ice on people and the planet.
Dr Clason co-authored a chapter on the importance of glaciers in the Tropical Andes in South America, which are being affected by climate change.
Professors David Roberts, Colm O’Cofaigh, and Jeremy Lloyd were part of research showing how ocean warming triggered the large-scale retreat of the Northeast Greenland Ice Stream.
This offers vital clues to its modern-day vulnerability.
Professor Mike Bentley is part of the international Sensitivity of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet to 2°C (SWAIS2C) project.
The project will analyse rock and mud samples from 500m beneath the Ross Ice Shelf to see how it responded to past warming and what the ice sheet’s fate might be.
Research led by Dr Guy Paxman also revealed the remains of landscapes thought to have formed when ancient rivers flowed across East Antarctica.
These flat surfaces could help with predictions of future loss from the ice sheet.
Our strength in polar research was recognised when Professors O’Cofaigh and Roberts, received the prestigious Polar Medal from King Charles III.
The prize is for outstanding achievements in the field of polar research and means Durham now has three Polar Medal recipients, including Professor Bentley.
Durham University at COP 30, the Durham University Glaciology Group and see more about our research into sea level, ice and climate.
Warmer ocean currents are destabilising ice sheets. Read the research paper.
Researchers look for ancient climate clues 500m below Antarctic ice.
Ancient river landscapes control East Antarctic ice flow. Read the research paper.
Durham scientist contributes to global UNESCO report on unprecedented glacier loss.
Royal honour recognises outstanding contributions of leading polar researchers.
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