Earth Sciences, Energy and the Environment
Environmental and energy concerns and issues of food security are major global issues that the School addresses as part of its research portfolio.
Agriculture as the primary food producer is both a major consumer and stewart of environmental resources. Rapidly developing economies are increasing their requirements for animal proteins while at the same time the livestock sector is included in those industries associated with increasing greenhouse gas emissions and loss of biodiversity. Diversification of some agricultural production from food to biofuels is seen as important for the development of the knowledge based bio-economy, but can also lead to increases in the cost of basic foodstuffs.
Increasingly, the Ecosystem Health concept whereby the health of the environment, plants, animals and humans are seen as interdependent, is gaining currency. The following disciplines from across the School contribute to this theme.
