University of Birmingham Names Deputy Pro-Vice Chancellor of Sustainability
The University of Birmingham has appointed David Hannah as Deputy Pro-Vice Chancellor of Sustainability.
David Hannah is a Professor of Hydrology in the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences; and he is the Director of the Birmingham Institute for Sustainability and Climate Action. He is also a Chair-holder for the UNESCO Chair in Water Sciences and is listed in the Reuters Top 100 world’s top climate scientists.
I am excited to take on this new role at a time when the University of Birmingham is committed to achieving ambitious sustainability goals. As an institution, we have a responsibility to address the sustainability challenges we face through our research, education and as a responsible organisation
Professor David Hannah, University of Birmingham
Upon his appointment, Professor Hannah says: “I am excited to take on this new role at a time when the University of Birmingham is committed to achieving ambitious sustainability goals. As an institution, we have a responsibility to address the sustainability challenges we face through our research, education and as a responsible organisation. It is my hope that through our research and practices, we can create positive change within the University and beyond.”
Professor Hannah’s own research team aims to understand water-cycle processes, hydrological events (floods, drought, water quality) and water-related impact of climate change. He has contributed policy advice to the UK water industry, NGOs, the Scottish Government, overseas government agencies, as well as water sector regulators on climate change adaptation. Through his work, he has demonstrated his strong commitment to shaping policy and creating positive, tangible change in the world.
On his approach to sustainability, Professor Hannah says: “It is important to adopt an interdisciplinary and partnership approach towards sustainability. It belongs in every discipline and to everyone; we must embed it in all our activities. We need to collaborate across academia, business, government and wider society to achieve our shared goals and address the major global challenges of our time. I am a passionate advocate for achieving positive environmental and social outcomes and engaging our University staff, students and community to do so.”
David’s new role follows the appointment of Charmaine Morrell as Head of Sustainability and Dr Julia Myatt as Director of Sustainability Education earlier this year.
The University of Birmingham is committed to improving sustainability – living in a way that provides the requirements for us all to live a happy and healthy life, without preventing future generations’ ability to do the same. The University of Birmingham has a clear strategy for how to create a more sustainable university and a more sustainable world.