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University ranked number one in the world on climate action

The University of Tasmania is the top ranked university in the world for climate action according to the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.

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The University of Tasmania is the top ranked university in the world for climate action according to the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Rufus Black said the University was proud of the result, which highlighted the commitment and great work of staff and students in addressing the critical challenge of climate change.

“We face an urgent climate crisis, a fact that drives our efforts to do all we can to effect real change and support the development of a zero-carbon economy,” Professor Black said.

“Our approach is concerted and comprehensive. We strive to have a positive impact through our research, our teaching, our work with the community and our operations, including how we invest and how we build.

“It is wonderful to see that hard work recognised and a testament to the efforts of our people.”

The University of Tasmania has been certified carbon neutral since 2016, moved away from carbon-intensive investments in 2021 as part of its divestment strategy, is dramatically reducing embodied carbon in new buildings, and has committed to de-carbonising its operations as part of the Race to Zero. The University has also committed to reducing gross carbon emissions by a minimum of 50% by 2030.

All these steps, and more, contributed to the Impact Ranking results. The rankings measure universities around the world against the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. For the climate action goal, the rankings consider a university’s research on climate change, use of energy, environmental education measures and commitment to carbon neutrality. Across all Goals, the University of Tasmania was ranked at 25 overall in the world.

The global number one ranking for climate action follows the University being named the Sustainability Institution of the Year at the 2021 Green Gown Awards Australasia.

Explore sustainability at the University of Tasmania and how you can get involved.