Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research

👋 We've been a little quiet on here lately and have decided to pause this account while we evaluate the best ways to communicate our multi-disciplinary climate change research to you.

The Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research is a unique partnership between the University of East Anglia (UEA), The University of Manchester, Newcastle University, and University of Southampton, alongside Fudan University. Feel free to follow any of those on Facebook for related news or explore our community projects, such as the Norwich Climate Commission, in the city where we have the Tyndall Centre headquarters ➡️ https://norwichclimate.org

You can also find us on:
LinkedIn: -centre-for-climate-change-research
Bluesky: .bsky.social
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We hope to be back soon!

What an inspiring three days at the Critical Decade for Climate Action Conference at UEA in Norwich!💡🌏

Thanks to all our speakers, delegates, early career researchers and Tyndall Centre members who gave the event last week such energy, insight and buzz.

This is just the beginning. In the days and weeks ahead, we will be sharing:

📗Briefing notes from every session
〽️Key takeaways and insights
👩🏿‍💼Highlights from the poster showcase
🟢A new Collection of Publications for Climate Resilience and Sustainability, with research, perspectives, and a full conference report.

We are full of renewed enthusiasm for what the Tyndall Centre can do next - and how we can influence climate action now and in the future 💚

🌍 How a "left-behind" town is leading on climate action

Blackpool, often seen as a struggling seaside town, now ranks in the top 30% of UK councils for climate planning.

New research from Alfie Gaffney of the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research at the University of East Anglia (UEA) reveals how strong leadership, cross-party teamwork, and a focus on climate justice helped turn limited resources into bold action.

Read more about how they did it and why it matters for councils and climate policy: https://tyndall.ac.uk/news/how-a-left-behind-town-is-leading-the-way-on-climate-action/

Community spotlight 💚 On Monday, 36 schools across Waveney Valley joined MP Adrian Ramsey and local authorities, trusts and partners in launching WaveSEA: a united effort to embed Climate Action Plans and Sustainability Leads in every local school by the end of 2025.

Increasing heat could be costing students in England nearly 7 days of learning annually, with that number projected to grow by 2100. WaveSEA is tackling this with straightforward, high-impact actions: planting for biodiversity, smart energy controls, renewable energy and climate-literacy lessons.

These "dull dynamite" measures aren't just for classrooms - they benefit families and communities across the region and lead us towards a safer, greener future.

Learn more about this alliance of climate-ready schools: https://tyndall.ac.uk/news/adrian-ramsay-mp-opens-groundbreaking-alliance-of-climate-ready-schools/

🔥 How is climate change reshaping the way we use fire?

For the first time, researchers have built a global dataset of over 200,000 prescribed burns, spanning 16 countries and 12 biomes.

✅ Used to reduce wildfire risk and support ecosystems, prescribed burns - the practice of intentionally setting a fire for land management purposes - depend on safe weather conditions. But as the climate changes, those conditions are shifting.

🌍 A new resource - GlobalRx - helps show where and when prescribed burns have taken place over the last four decades, offering insight into how fire management might need to adapt in a warming world.

This global dataset helps researchers and policymakers:
🔹 Compare fire practices across regions
🔹 Understand changes in safe burning windows
🔹 Plan future fire use more effectively

👉 Read the full story:

New global dataset to inform prescribed burning practice worldwide - Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research GlobalRx, a new dataset of over 200,000 prescribed burns, sheds light on climate impacts and fire management across 16 countries and 12 biomes.

New Report Highlights Forest Tipping Points🌳

A new global report convened by the International Union of Forest Research Organizations - IUFRO warns that some forests may reach critical thresholds - beyond which, recovery is no longer possible.

The phenomenon is described by researchers in the report as the "Humpty Dumpty Effect". Once forest systems are pushed past certain tipping points, they may not be restorable.

Dr Rachel Carmenta, from the Tyndall Centre and University of East Anglia, served as Coordinating Lead Author on the report. The report highlights the need for "connected conservation" approaches that consider both local and distant drivers of forest change - including climate, economics and global policy.

🔗Read the story from the Tyndall Centre: https://tyndall.ac.uk/news/report-reveals-cautionary-tale-of-forests-falling-victim-to-humpty-dumpty-effect/

How much impact do climate advisory bodies really have?

A new academic study explores the real-world policy influence of expert bodies, using the UK's Climate Change Committee (CCC) - the oldest such institution in the world - as a test case.

The findings shed light on the characteristics most likely to influence policy:

✍️Clear, short and specific advice was more likely to be taken up
🟢Repetition was key in accepted adaptation recommendations
💡The landmark study offers insights for governments, researchers and advisors alike, and suggests areas for future research

Read more here:

How to boost the policy impact of climate advisory bodies - Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research A new study examines how advice from climate advisory bodies, such as the UK's Climate Change Committee, can better influence climate policy.

Local climate action needs people like you 🌿

From classrooms to city commissions, two new part-time roles will support climate engagement across Norwich and the East of England.

Based at the Tyndall Centre’s headquarters, at the University of East Anglia (UEA) in Norwich, the Norwich Climate Commission Coordinator and the Climate Ambassador Officer positions will work with a range of local stakeholders to support practical, place-based responses to climate change action.

Get more information and discover how to apply:

Two new roles to support climate action in Norwich and region - Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research From classrooms to city commissions, two part-time posts will support local climate action across Norwich and the East of England.

Welcome Professor Andy Jordan, who is now the Director of the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research👏

💬‘I look forward to working with colleagues at UEA and other partner institutions to steer the Tyndall Centre towards practical solutions of some of the most urgent and important environmental, societal and economic challenges of our time.’ - Prof. Jordan

As the new Director, Professor Andy Jordan brings considerable experience and a long and productive association with the Tyndall Centre. He takes on the role in the same year that the Centre celebrates 25 years of generating cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research and policy impact.

🔗Full announcement: https://tyndall.ac.uk/news/professor-andy-jordan-is-the-new-director-of-the-tyndall-centre-for-climate-change-research/