Society
Connecting environment, economy and society
Overview
The ERI’s fourth theme seeks to articulate our work on environmental sciences to address economical and societal needs across the three ‘pillars’ of sustainability, carbon economics and the circular economy. Issues affecting rural, remote, coastal and island regions and their communities are of particular interest and the theme is a key mechanism through which the ERI supports the core UHI mission of having ‘a transformational impact on the prospects of our region, its economy, its people and its communities’.
The theme provides a conduit through which the ERI can respond to support ‘Green Recovery’ efforts post-Covid and post-Brexit, and the Scottish Government aim of creating ‘a more successful country with opportunities for all of Scotland to flourish through increased wellbeing, and sustainable and inclusive economic growth through good quality, green jobs and ensures a fair and just transition to net-zero, leaving no-one behind’.
“Driving sustainable growth and wellbeing in rural, coastal, and island communities.”
Current Priorities
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One Health recognises that the health of humans, the environment, and animals are closely interdependent and interconnected.
This includes close partnership with key public sector agencies through the One Health Breakthrough Partnership in reducing the environmental impacts of healthcare.
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Analysis of plastic use, disposal and damage caused to the environment and to ecosystems with emphasis on solutions that contribute to the circular economy.
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Understanding the economic and societal impacts linked with land use and land-use change, especially peatland degradation, restoration and conservation both in Scottish (e.g., Highland estates, traditional land use and its cultural importance and international contexts). The ERI is a partner in the Flow Country Partnership taking forward the possible listing of the Flow Country as a World Heritage Site.
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Assessment of sustainability issues surrounding both mature and developing renewable energy technologies with foci on marine energy, off- & onshore wind, off-grid and community energy systems.
Current Projects
Past Projects
Theme Members
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Dr Neil James
Research Fellow
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Dr Lydia Niemi
Postdoctoral Research Associate & Research Coordinator
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Prof. Stuart Gibb
Director, Environmental Research Institute
Director, Research and Innovation, UHI North, West and Hebrides
Professor of Environmental Sciences
