Oxford Brookes to lead £7.4 million research initiative on health impacts of UK net zero targets
Oxford Brookes University will lead a £7.4m Government-funded research initiative to explore the human health impacts of the UK’s net zero targets in relation to extreme heat.
The University is leading a major research project with five other universities and four public sector organisations to examine how the transition to net zero emissions can benefit vulnerable populations by improving health outcomes, such as reducing heat-related illnesses and enhancing living conditions during extreme heat events.
The research will assess these benefits in various settings including homes, care facilities, hospitals, and prisons, with the aim of developing practical solutions that enhance health outcomes while supporting climate goals.
The funding is part of a UK-wide £42m investment by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) which has set up seven national transdisciplinary hubs to conduct research addressing different challenge areas over a five year period.
Oxford Brookes will lead one of the national hubs, the National Research Hub on Net Zero, Health and Extreme Heat (HEARTH), with Rajat Gupta, Professor of Sustainable Architecture and Climate Change, as the Principal Investigator. HEARTH will address the extreme weather challenge area of the programme.
Professor Gupta said: “The UK must urgently address climate, health, and equity challenges in diverse living environments. HEARTH will leverage collaboration to unlock the co-benefits of the net zero transition for communities most vulnerable to extreme heat, where evidence is lacking. This will involve site visits, data collection, and engagement with heat-vulnerable communities to understand their specific challenges and co-develop effective interventions.
“By developing solutions tailored to those most susceptible to heat, we not only enhance their resilience but also contribute to the UK's broader net zero targets. Reducing reliance on energy-intensive cooling methods and implementing sustainable urban planning solutions will help cut emissions while safeguarding public health.
“By translating research into actionable policy recommendations, we aim to drive systemic change, ensuring that net zero and climate resilience go hand in hand to create healthier, more equitable living environments for all.”
Professor Gupta will lead a team of 30 investigators and researchers from University College London (UCL), London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), University of Edinburgh, and the University of Leeds. Other organisations involved include Oxfordshire County Council, Greater London Authority, Forest Research and Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust.
Oxford Brookes will also host leading visiting researchers from Harvard University, University of Arizona, University of Sydney, University of New South Wales and Maastricht University during the project.
Professor Joe Tah, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research and Innovation at Oxford Brookes, said: “This research is an excellent opportunity for Oxford Brookes to lead the way in addressing one of the most pressing challenges of our time - understanding the human health impacts linked to the UK’s net zero targets.
“Being selected to lead such a prestigious project underscores Oxford Brookes’ reputation for delivering impactful, world-leading research.”
Professor Gupta is Director of the Oxford Institute for Sustainable Development (OISD) and Low Carbon Building Research Group. Last year he contributed to a UK Parliament report on indoor air pollutants and how they affect human health. He has been advising the UK Ministry of Justice on tackling summer overheating in prison settings.
