University of Reading climate researchers receive global boost
Reading-based Microsoft is collaborating with the Walker Institute to help them increase the impact of their work on climate risk
Last updated 6th Oct 2021
Climate scientists at the University of Reading have received a an international boost to their work thanks to a new collaboration with Reading-based Microsoft.
The Walker institute develops solutions for people around the world facing threats from climate change - creating what they describe as 'climate resilient societies'.
Climate variability and change pose a huge risk to developing societies in the form of ecological degradation, state fragility, conflict, migration, rapid population growth and social inequality.
Understanding these issues demands a new approach that does not fit into any singular traditional academic discipline. The Walker Institute at the University of Reading is well placed to fill this critical gap: driving new interdisciplinary research to address these major global challenges.
Now through this new collaboration with, and generous support from, Microsoft, the Walker Institute is increasing its capacity to undertake its essential and impactful work.
Professor Rosalind Cornforth, Director of the Walker Institute, said:
“Walker Institute’s mission is to enable the development of climate-resilient societies; societies able to adapt in an uncertain, changing world.
“Our contribution to a new knowledge base is key, ensuring that climate-resilience is better understood and can be attained. We make a meaningful difference in people’s lives: conducting risk-taking, innovative and novel research to tackle the complexity of the global challenges facing society.
“This support from Microsoft lets us grow our research base, giving us more information and allowing us to answer critical questions more effectively and more efficiently.”
The collaboration will provide funding for the Walker Institute to advance research understanding of Earth’s natural systems, develop nature-based solutions to problems like agricultural stress, and strengthen collaborations with scientists and communities in affected areas.
Microsoft UK is keen to draw on the expertise of the Walker Institute in research to work across a range of issues including how to measure and manage climate risk and how to achieve Net-zero.
Alberto Arribas Herranz, Microsoft Sustainability Science Lead for Europe, said:
“Sustainability at Microsoft is about helping us, and helping others, to reduce carbon emissions and protect biodiversity. A key way we do this is working with leaders in the fields of weather, climate, prediction and risk.
“We are delighted to be building the capacity of the Walker Institute to do more of what they do best, and look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with both the Walker Institute and the University of Reading.”
To find out more about the Walker Institute, visit www.walker.ac.uk; and for more ways the University is working with partners for the good of the planet visit www.reading.ac.uk/planet