Scientists have found evidence that the Asian continent was free of permafrost all the way to its northerly coast with the Arctic Ocean when Earth’s average temperature was 4.5˚C warmer than today, suggesting that the whole Northern Hemisphere would have also been free of permafrost at the time.
In this article originally written for The Conversation*, Dr Muhammad Wakil Shahzad, Associate Professor and Head of Subject, Mechanical and Construction Engineering at Northumbria University, discusses a possible solution to the environmental impact of AI data centres.
Northumbria University has been ranked top 10 in the UK and among the top institutions in the world for sustainability in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025.
Academics from Northumbria University and University College London have collaborated on a prestigious pavilion exhibition at the 2025 London Design Biennale, exploring an emerging field which intertwines biology with architecture.
The team behind a circular economy initiative aimed at tackling plastic pollution, which includes experts from Northumbria University, is celebrating the launch of a toolkit designed to provide practical guidance on setting up recycling schemes across the world.
A new study has revealed that one of the driest areas on Earth – the Saharo-Arabian Desert – enjoyed periods of green, humid weather over the last 8 million years.
An energy-efficient cooling system developed by scientists at Northumbria University has been crowned one of the most ground-breaking innovations of the year.
Analysis of fossilised rocks known as stromatolites from more than two-and-a-half billion years ago has provided new insights into the conditions on Earth before the evolution of oxygen.
A leading expert in planning policy at Northumbria University has delivered evidence to help shape the future reform of the National Planning Policy Framework.
A team of researchers are investigating the impact of retrofitting houses to make them more energy efficient on the health and wellbeing of residents in Newcastle.
Academics from Northumbria University are part of an international research team which has used data from satellites to track changes in the thickness of the Greenland Ice Sheet.
In response to increasing frequency of extreme heatwaves in Pakistan, an international research initiative has been awarded £2.8 million by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) to develop energy-efficient cooling technologies that could save lives and reduce environmental impact.
Northumbria University has announced the installation of new cutting-edge 3D construction printing technology. The advanced technology will enable the testing and validation of concrete elements which could be adopted by industry, positioning Northumbria as a leading hub for sustainable construction innovation in the North East.
Cath Darling, a Senior Research Associate in Occupational Therapy at Northumbria University, has been named as one of just 49 recipients of a sapling from the much-loved Sycamore Gap tree which was felled last year.
An innovative programme to develop the next generation of leaders in the renewable energy sector has been highly commended in the national Green Gown Awards.
Following its part in the successful delivery of a £4.7 million, three-year government funded research consortium, Northumbria University aims to engage with companies eager to commercialise their waste streams, increase their efficiency and bolster profitability.
Researchers have found evidence that mangrove forests – which protect tropical and subtropical coastlines – are drowning in the Maldives. Their findings, published today (Tuesday 12 December) in Scientific Reports, indicate that rising sea level and a climate phenomenon known as the Indian Ocean Dipole have led to some Maldivian islands losing over half of their mangrove cover since 2020.
Ancient volcanoes continued to eject carbon dioxide into the atmosphere for millions of years after their eruptions ended, researchers have discovered.
Major differences in the way that Antarctica’s ice sheets formed millions of years ago could be the reason why ice is melting faster today than predicted, especially in West Antarctica, an international research team has discovered. The surprising findings, detailed in unique geological sediment samples from drill cores, provide insights into when and where today’s Antarctic ice sheets formed.
Researchers from Northumbria University have led the creation of a blueprint for policy reform which aims to bring an end to poverty and inequality in Britain.
