Exeter Researchers Collaborate with MPs: Innovative Solutions for Tackling Climate Change and Pollution

Researchers from the University of Exeter recently engaged with Members of Parliament in Westminster, sharing critical insights on water pollution and strategies to combat climate change. This event was part of Evidence Week, an annual gathering that connects the public, parliamentarians, and researchers to explore how evidence informs policy decisions.

Kelly Thornber, Ross Brown, and Caroline Farmer from Exeter highlighted a pressing issue: pharmaceutical pollution. Their research shows that chemicals from medications are contaminating UK soils, rivers, and drinking water. This pollution threatens both the environment and public health, contributing to biodiversity loss and the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

To tackle this issue, the Exeter team worked with a diverse group of stakeholders to identify 37 target areas to form a national strategy aimed at reducing pharmaceutical waste. Thornber emphasized the importance of a cohesive approach that spans health, environment, and business sectors, stating, “The need for a unified UK pharmaceutical strategy has been overlooked for too long.”

Meanwhile, Professor Paul Halloran and his colleagues discussed ocean-based carbon removal as a potential solution to achieve the UK’s Net Zero goal. The sea absorbs a significant amount of CO₂, and research indicates that innovative methods could enhance this natural process. Their SeaCURE project, which piloted the UK’s first marine Carbon Dioxide Removal plant, successfully extracted CO₂ from seawater, raising the possibility that scaling this approach could offset nearly one-third of global emissions.

Halloran noted the incredible enthusiasm from MPs regarding their findings, reinforcing the UK’s potential to lead in marine carbon removal. The success of such initiatives will depend on supportive policy frameworks and precise evaluations of the methods’ feasibility.

This year’s Evidence Week, now in its eighth iteration, was organized by Sense about Science, alongside various research institutions. It aims to empower lawmakers by providing cutting-edge insights on topics ranging from health to artificial intelligence. According to Tracey Brown, Director of Sense about Science, “MPs face a wide array of challenging subjects. Evidence Week equips them with the knowledge to navigate these complexities.”

Having these conversations is crucial. With environmental issues becoming increasingly urgent, policymakers need access to the latest research to make informed decisions. By connecting with experts, MPs can better address the pressing challenges that lie ahead.

For more information on the research and its implications, you can visit Sense about Science and the SeaCURE project.

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Dr Kelly Thornber,European Centre for Environment and Human Health,Guy Hooper,Professor Paul Halloran,Research,SeaCURE,University of Exeter Medical School