£10m Glasgow research hub to boost climate resistance
The work aims to transform the city and encourage people to ditch the car.
Scientists at the University of Glasgow are creating a climate research hub to help the city reach its net-zero target by 2030.
They will work with Glasgow City Council to capture greenhouse gases in formerly derelict land, improve biodiversity, value riverbanks as community spaces, promote active travel and create energy solutions.
This should help to improve air quality and reduce the need for car journeys.
Professor Jaime L Toney, director of the University of Glasgow’s Centre for Sustainable Solutions, is leading the GALLANT project.
She told Clyde 1: "GALLANT builds on the Green Recovery Dialogues, a series of discussions between the University, Glasgow City Council, businesses and community groups.
"As a result of those conversations, we were able to identify areas for urgent action in the recovery from Covid toward achieving the city’s net-zero climate resilience objectives.
“Using Glasgow as a living lab is an exciting opportunity to collaborate with communities and stakeholders across the city.
This well help to deliver tangible environmental solutions that also improve public health, wellbeing, and move us toward a green, inclusive economy.”
The £10m project will help to make urban corridor parks which will act as flood storage areas and manage flood risks for homes and businesses.
It will also transform derelict and polluted land into spaces that mineralise greenhouse gases and trap organic pollutants into building materials for the future.
Councillor Susan Aitken, Leader of Glasgow City Council, said: “This important project is a testament to the strength of our partnership work on sustainability in Glasgow and it draws on the best of our town-gown relationships.
“GALLANT will support our ambitious plans to become net zero carbon by the year 2030 and help to ensure that we are ready and resilient for a changing climate.
“It will also look at how we address the scars of our industrial past, improve the quality of life for our people, and that we play our part as responsible stewards of our city for a more sustainable and just future for all."
UK Government Minister for Scotland Iain Stewart said: “This collaborative research hub, backed by £10 million UK Government funding, will help Glasgow build on the legacy of COP26 and lead the way to a sustainable future."
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