Our environmental work
The Department of Earth Sciences is environmentally certified according to ISO 14001 and we work systematically to reduce negative environmental impact. The University of Gothenburg is part of the Swedish Climate Framework; an initiative by universities and colleges to contribute to the climate transition.
The backbone of our activities
Climate and sustainability issues are naturally integrated into the Department of Earth Sciences' research and teaching. With our scientific studies and educational programs, we make an impact on the development of society when we contribute with knowledge and solutions to urgent global challenges such as climate change, sustainable urban development and green energy.
We conduct research in climate and sustainability
The purpose of our research is to gain more knowledge about how both natural processes and human-caused factors affect the Earth and the climate system - and which measures contribute to creating a long-term sustainable society. We gather our strong research areas around three themes: "Climate and climate change", "The Geosphere" and "Earth Surface Processes".
For several years, the Department of Earth Sciences has contributed to the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The internationally recognized climate researcher Deliang Chen, Professor of Physical Meteorology and holder of the August Röhss Chair in Geography, is one of the coordinating lead authors of the IPCC reports on climate and climate change. IPCC reports compile the state of scientific knowledge in order to inform decision-makers on climate and sustainability goals.
We educate about Earth's processes
We educate students who become experts on Earth's processes and human interaction with nature. In the Bachelor's and Master's programs in Earth Sciences and Geography, respectively, our students get tools to contribute to the UN's sustainability goals. Climate impact, sustainable urban development and ways forward for society's green transition are sought-after knowledge that our students take with them into working life to tackle global challenges.