The ability to accurately measure the quantity and locations of rainfall is vital for water management processes to operate effectively. This is especially true in urban areas where the design and operation of storm sewer systems are highly sensitive to rainfall.
More than a sixth of the world’s population – over one billion people – rely on meltwater emanating from snow and ice for their main water supply.
Water-based diseases are one of the biggest threats to humans and animals alike. As global temperatures rise, extreme weather becomes the new norm, and the environment is altered to meet the demands of an increasing population, disease patterns are increasingly changing, with significant implications for health.
The number of people living in cities has been growing rapidly in the past few decades. By 2050, nearly 70 per cent of the world’s population is expected to live in urban areas, placing a huge strain on natural resources and infrastructure.
As the world population increases, there is a growing need to channel finite water resources for everything from agricultural irrigation and household supply, to flood mitigation and hydropower.
In the future, populations are estimated to migrate more towards urban areas increasing the effect of cities trapping more heat than rural areas. The urban environment is the fastest changing in the world, how we interact and depend on it is a question of vital importance. This project seeks to understand how changes in heat stress lead to human mortality in cities across the globe.
Bristol-based internationally recognised sculptor and artist, Alice Cunningham, will work with researchers across the University working on the theme of climate change. The aim is to open up dialogue with new audiences and provide a fresh external, artistic and accessible perspective on the science behind climate change and the issues that arise from it.
Microgrids – self-contained power systems that can function independently of the national grid – support the move towards a low-carbon economy, utilising distributed, renewable and small-scale electrical generation. This project will construct a microgrid demonstrator and hold a workshop with potential stakeholders to discuss technical, policy, social and economic issues arising from this work.
There are more than 2,500 micro-hydropower plants in Nepal. When plants break it has significant effects on people’s lives, left without access to electricity for basic lighting and income generation activities. This project seeks to understand the reasons behind the poor performance and failure of micro-hydropower plants in Nepal.
Many UK households – particularly those on lower incomes – remain uninsured against flooding. There is limited understanding of who and where is most at risk of being uninsured. This project will bring together hydrologists and social scientists to explore how we can better answer these questions.
