In November 2021, Glasgow will be the host to the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26). The conference will bring governments and institutions together to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
SRUC is a leading force in research to help alleviate and adjust to the risks and impacts associated with climate change. On these pages you can learn about how our education, research and consultancy efforts all have sustainability and environmental stewardship at their core, and the importance of our work in realising the goals laid out by the Conference of the Parties.
At SRUC, we are facing and tackling some of the biggest challenges that are highly relevant to COP26. This includes future land use, producing food ethically, decarbonisation of the natural economy, net zero or supporting thriving rural communities through regenerative agriculture and conservation. We recently did a podcast covering these subjects. Listen to episode 1 and episode 2, and have a look at our podcasts page for more.
But that’s not all – explore these pages to get an idea of the breadth and depth of our involvement in making our planet’s future one that we can all be proud of and enjoy.
Related content

COP26 projects
SRUC researchers and consultants are always working on a variety of projects to help preserve and protect our environment while still meeting the needs of modern (and future) society.

FAS events for COP26
FAS events are a great way to pick up free advice and guidance, and also give you the opportunity to meet other people from across the agricultural community to share ideas and network.
Research for COP26

Global climate emergency

Thriving natural capital
Supporting thriving rural communities through regenerative agriculture and conservation.

Future food systems
Generating knowledge to create safe, sustainable, and new foods chains that deliver healthy diets and support economic growth.

Delivering data & digital innovation
This centre focuses on the use of data and analytics to generate new understanding, develop and improve products, and increase efficiency across agri-food systems.
Related news stories

A new vision for land use in Scotland: six conversations
The report highlights the need to address issues affecting Scotland’s sparsely populated rural communities.

Report calls for revolution in Scottish land use
The report makes recommendations to tackle the challenges facing biodiversity, food production, renewable energy, health and well-being.

Farming must be part of the climate change solution
Major land use changes will be required to sequester more carbon and thereby offset emissions.
Related courses

Wildlife and Conservation Management
These courses are aimed at those who care about wildlife and the environment and want to protect it so that everyone may enjoy it.
- HNC
- BSc/BSc (Hons)
- HND
- MSc
- PgDip
- Top-up degree

Agriculture
You will develop independent learning skills and team working skills which will provide a strong foundation for future study and/or employment in the industry.
- BSc/BSc (Hons)
- HND
- HNC
- NC
- MA at SCQF level 6
- MA at SCQF level 5

Forestry
Forestry involves sustainably managing trees and woodlands in rural areas for a range of benefits, including commercial and social.
- Advanced Certificate
- Certificate
- HNC
- HND

Organic Farming
Gain a deeper understanding of the production, marketing and management of organic farming and food. This postgraduate course is delivered part time via distance learning with study weekends on campus.
- MSc
- PgDip
- PgCert