Research at ARU has made significant contributions to climate action at regional, national and international levels through partnerships with policy bodies and NGOs.
These partnerships have allowed us to inform and support government action in climate change and disaster and risk warning, monitoring and management.
Essex Climate Action Commission and regional climate leadership
We support local and regional climate action in our host communities through involvement in the Essex Climate Action Commission. By contributing research expertise, evidence and stakeholder engagement, the University helps inform regional responses to climate risks and supports the development of strategies designed to improve resilience, reduce emissions and prepare communities for future environmental challenges. Through these partnerships, ARU helps ensure that decision-makers have access to the latest evidence on climate change, adaptation and sustainable development.
East of England Net Zero and Climate Resilience Summit
In 2024, ARU hosted the East of England Net Zero and Climate Resilience Summit, bringing together local authorities, businesses, researchers, community organisations and policymakers from across the region. The event provided a platform for stakeholders to explore climate risks, share best practice and identify practical solutions for achieving a resilient and low-carbon future. By convening key regional actors, ARU supports knowledge exchange and collaborative planning that strengthens local preparedness for climate-related challenges and helps translate climate ambitions into coordinated action.
Blueprint for a Greener Greater Cambridge
We're helping local and regional decision-makers plan for the long-term climate challenges associated with growth, energy security and decarbonisation through our work on the Blueprint for a Greener Greater Cambridge. Published in 2025 by ARU's Global Sustainability Institute and Cambridge Ahead, the report The Infrastructure Gap: The Future of Sustainable Energy in Greater Cambridge examined how the region can achieve inclusive growth while meeting net-zero commitments by 2050. The study responded to forecasts that energy demand across Greater Cambridge could triple by 2050, and brought together evidence from researchers, employers and local communities on how to expand low-carbon energy infrastructure while reducing poverty and supporting community inclusion. The report set out 12 recommendations for local and national decision-makers, including the creation of a multi-agency energy working group, investment in smart energy infrastructure, community-owned energy projects and stronger integration of energy planning into regional growth strategies. By providing evidence and practical recommendations for government, industry and communities, ARU is helping shape climate resilience and decarbonisation planning across one of the UK's fastest-growing regions
Last updated: October 2026
To request additions, corrections or changes to the information in these pages, please contact: Dr Zareen Bharucha: [email protected]. Please use the subject line ‘ARU SDG’.