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The Priestley Centre for Climate Futures is a world-leading climate centre based at the University of Leeds. From local to global, we ensure that climate action is informed by the latest research, collaborating with organisations and individuals to transform our expertise into real-world impact.
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The Earth is accumulating heat at an accelerating rate. Global warming reached 1.37°C in 2025
Strong and consistent evidence shows that the entire climate system is continuing to heat, driving rapid global warming. Human activities pushed global warming to 1.37°C in 2025, and its level is projected to surpass 1.5°C in about four years. Crucially, the rate at which heat is accumulating in the Earth system suggests high levels of...
EarthScale announces its second cohort of climate tech ventures
Fourteen of the UK's most promising climate tech companies have been selected for EarthScale's second cohort, spanning biomaterials, energy, carbon removal, the built environment, and the circular economy. EarthScale’s 12-month programme is UK-wide and supports IP-rich climate tech ventures to scale, navigate manufacturing and raise Series A funding. Among those selected for the programme’s second...
Leeds researchers help shape landmark UK climate risk assessment
The Climate Change Committee (CCC) recently published the Fourth Climate Change Risk Assessment – Independent Assessment (CCRA4‑IA), a comprehensive evidence base on the risks climate change poses to the UK and the actions needed to strengthen resilience. CCRA4‑IA consists of a Met Office‑led Technical Report and a CCC‑led Well-Adapted UK Report. The assessment combines up‑to‑date...
Blog
Connecting with Global Climate Policy
The Priestley Centre and the UNFCCC From its inception, the Priestley Centre for Climate Futures has recognised that our world‑leading climate research can inform real-world decision making. Throughout the past decade, that conviction has guided our...
Why COP30 ran through the night, and What Might Help
A blog by Priestley member Sajid Siraj. I followed COP30, watching a negotiation end 27 hours late with agreements delivering a fraction of the emissions reductions that science says we...
The Climate Evidence Unit: Transforming evidence into action
The scale and urgency of the climate crisis demands decisive leadership informed by timely, actionable insights. For policymakers and decision makers alike, accessing clear, relevant, and trusted climate insights at the pace required has remained a...