SCIENTISTS are to begin work on a large-scale research programme that will help transform Glasgow into a thriving, climate resilient city and support its ambition to reach net zero by 2030.

University of Glasgow researchers will work in partnership with Glasgow City Council to create transformation projects across the city and embed sustainability into the wider socio-political system as part of a project called Gallant, or "Glasgow as a Living Lab Accelerating Novel Transformation".

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The Gallant project, which has received £10 million from the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), will use Glasgow as a living lab to trial new sustainable solutions throughout the city. 

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Objectives include transforming urban river edge land use by identifying areas to create urban corridor parks, which will act as flood storage areas to help manage flood risks for homes and businesses.

The project also hopes to create areas of urban nature, such as salt marshes, to improve urban blue space quality for both the cities wildlife and people.

Work will also include restoring and connecting habitats that are currently isolated across the city, by mapping important species of birds and mammals, and working with local agencies to implement suitable management of greenspace to increase connectivity between core habitats.

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The project also hopes to regenerate derelict and polluted land into spaces that mineralise greenhouse gases and trap organic pollutants into building materials for the future.

The programme will help regenerate the river Clyde region, which faces significant social, economic and environmental challenges, and will provide learning that will help other cities in their missions to adopting green solutions.

Professor Jaime L Toney, director of the University of Glasgow’s Centre for Sustainable Solutions, is leading the Gallant project.

He said: “We’re delighted to have received this funding from the Natural Environment Research Council, which is a significant boost to delivering Glasgow’s post-COP26 legacy."

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“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," he continued.

“Using Glasgow as a living lab is an exciting opportunity to collaborate with communities and stakeholders across the city to deliver tangible environmental solutions that also improve public health, wellbeing, and move us toward a green, inclusive economy.”

Scotland Office Minister 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.

“Earlier this month, the UK Government outlined plans to make Glasgow an Innovation Accelerator as part of our Levelling Up White Paper, with a share of £100m in funding, and access to further private sector investment. This project highlights exactly why the city has such formidable potential for scientific research and development.”

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Councillor Susan Aitken, leader of Glasgow City Council, commented: “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.

“The funding for this project represents a big vote of confidence in Glasgow’s ability to deliver and represents a tangible legacy of our role as COP26 host city.”

Professor Sir Duncan Wingham, Executive Chair of NERC, said: “As COP26 has shown, it’s vital that we invest in world-leading science to find solutions now to climate change and recovery of our natural environment.

"This investment by NERC will enable an ambitious step change in how the best science from across different disciplines can come together to address major environmental challenges facing the UK and support the transition to a Net Zero and nature-positive future.”