Former Bristol Mayor given job at University of Bristol
Marvin Rees will help promote the university's research on climate change around the world
Former Mayor of Bristol Marvin Rees has been given a new job at the University of Bristol.
Mr Rees, who left his role of Mayor last month after it ceased to exist following the local elections, has been named as an Honorary Industrial Professor at the University's Cabot Institute, which leads research on how to tackle climate change.
In his time as Mayor Mr Rees spoke extensively about the important role cities can and should play in combating the issue globally. A statement from the university says it is "ramping up efforts" to help.
Marvin Rees said: “The world is increasingly coming to terms with the twin realities that the battle against climate change will largely be won or lost in our cities, while its far-reaching repercussions will have the biggest impact on the greatest number through the cities where we live.
“I’m very excited about this role and it’s an honour to be joining the team. The University of Bristol has been a really important City Partner during my time in office and the Cabot Institute has an excellent reputation for its world-leading climate research.
"I look forward to further raising the profile of these expertise and strengthening these alliances on a global scale for the benefit of all, especially those most disadvantaged by the effects of climate change.”
The university says there will be three key areas of focus, which match what Mr Rees has previously spoken about, as urbanisation and climate change, climate-driven migration, and securing a just transition which means the shift to a net-zero economy is fair.
More than half of the world’s population live in cities and this trend is expected to continue, accounting for around two-thirds of people by 2050.
Marvin said: “The problems will be most concentrated in cities, but they also have immense potential to generate solutions.
"More than just political will, it will take billions of pounds to pay for these seismic changes. So getting much-needed finance to the Global South, where urbanisation is happening faster and the devastating impacts of climate change are most acute, is absolutely essential.
"I’m looking forward to working together with colleagues, supporting city, national, and international leaders to meet these challenges which will take a huge one team approach."
Marvin will be working closely with researchers from all academic disciplines including climate policy and climate justice specialist Dr Alix Dietzel, who has been driving forward the just transition and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals with One City Partners.
Dr Dietzel, Associate Director for Impact and Innovation at the Cabot Institute, said: “My focus is ensuring the great research done here reaches policy makers and experts who can enact positive change.
"Cities and Mayors play a very important role in realising a just transition and sustainable development. Marvin's experience and knowledge gained during his time as Bristol Mayor is invaluable and will help us to translate our research into policy action."
Professor Guy Howard, Director of the Cabot Institute, said: “Marvin has a strong track record of working on climate and environment issues, especially on ensuring a just transition to net zero and climate adaptation, which are key aims of the Cabot Institute.
“Through his work with the global network of City Mayors, Marvin has developed a fantastic network of key decision-makers.
"We will now be able to engage with these networks, sharing crucial evidence from the research at the University and making a greater impact thanks to these new relationships.
"Marvin’s experience and knowledge of how cities work combined with how to effect change brings the Cabot Institute – and the University more widely – new insights, which will be a fantastic resource for our academic community and partners.”
Five years ago, the University of Bristol joined other organisations across the country and world to become the first UK university in declaring a climate emergency.
Professor Evelyn Welch, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Bristol, said: “I am delighted to welcome Marvin Rees to the Cabot Institute and university as a whole.
"He brings a great deal of unique experience into this new role, and we are all looking forward to working with him."
The term Industrial Professor is used for individuals who are not academics but who are distinguished in their field and the status is initially conferred for three years.