# Department of Environment and Geography
**Source**: https://www.york.ac.uk/environment-geography/
**Parent**: https://www.york.ac.uk/about/departments/
Creating a world we want to live in, together.
## Study with us
**Join a passionate academic community addressing some of the most pressing global challenges of today.**
Address critical issues such as climate change, pollution, sustainability and, environmental justice. By developing the knowledge and tools needed, you can shape sustainable solutions and pursue impactful careers.
[Discover our courses](https://www.york.ac.uk/environment-geography/study/)
[Find scholarships and funding](https://www.york.ac.uk/environment-geography/study/funding/)
## Research
**Environmental and social sustainability are at the heart of all of our research.**
We conduct interdisciplinary research in environmental science, geography, ecology, and economics with a strong focus on impact. Our work supports commitments to green and clean living and promotes the wellbeing of people and communities. We strive to provide equality and justice for all through our research initiatives.
[Explore our research](https://www.york.ac.uk/environment-geography/research/)
## Industry
**Creating a sustainable world requires collaboration beyond academic boundaries.**
We engage with partners in industry, government and civil society to translate our research into actionable solutions. Join our mission to build a more sustainable future. Whether you're a potential research partner, a business seeking expertise, or a community organisation looking to make a difference.
[Discover our industry links](https://www.york.ac.uk/environment-geography/study/industry-links/)
> We are a passionate community of researchers, educators and students who are together actively shaping a sustainable future. Through our excellent teaching and research, we are preparing sustainability leaders of the future, and creating solutions that help both people and the planet thrive in a rapidly changing world. We are committed to providing a supportive environment in which everyone can achieve their full potential.
Claire Hughes, Head of Department
## Where environment meets geography
**We bring geographers and environmental scientists together on a journey to support learning.**
We're combining and amplifying strengths in environmental science, geography, responsible business management and policy to develop the ethical leaders of tomorrow.
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SoWyrHjuDM0>
[2nd for 'Academic Support'](https://www.york.ac.uk/environment-geography/about/news/2024/nss-2024-rankings/)
among Russell Group universities included in the National Student Survey 2024 for Physical Geographical Sciences.
[Joint 2nd for research impact](https://www.york.ac.uk/environment-geography/research/)
according to the Times Higher Education's ranking of the latest REF results (2021).
[5th for 'Assessment and Feedback'](https://www.york.ac.uk/environment-geography/about/news/2024/nss-2024-rankings/)
among Russell Group universities included in the National Student Survey 2024 for Environmental Sciences.
[Athena Swan Silver Award](https://www.york.ac.uk/environment-geography/about/equality-and-diversity/)
for our continuous commitment to equality.
## News
News
### [Bio-Boost: Transforming Wastewater Treatment into a Driver of Health, Sustainability, and Innovation](https://www.york.ac.uk/environment-geography/about/news/2025/bio-boost-wastewater/)
16 December 2025
A groundbreaking new UKRI-BBSRC initiative, Bio-Boost, has been launched to revolutionise our biological understanding of wastewater treatment (WWT) and train the next generation of scientists to tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing society.
News
### [Families from deprived areas and ethnic minorities face the worse indoor air quality, York research finds](https://www.york.ac.uk/news-and-events/news/2025/research/air-quality-bradford/)
14 November 2025
Harmful levels of indoor air pollution have been discovered in UK homes, with families from deprived areas and ethnic minority backgrounds facing the highest levels of exposure, according to a new study from the University of York.
News
### [York research challenges our understanding of how humans and wildlife live together](https://www.york.ac.uk/environment-geography/about/news/2025/human-wildlife-together/)
12 November 2025
A new study argues that habituation - the process of people or animals becoming used to something, so that they no longer find it unpleasant or think it is a threat - is a much more complex two-way process than scientists have assumed.
News
### [York professor awarded prestigious ERC Synergy Grant](https://www.york.ac.uk/environment-geography/about/news/2025/environment-and-geography-erc-synergy-grant/)
6 November 2025
The European Research Council (ERC) has awarded Professor Robert Marchant and colleagues an €10 million Synergy Grant to study the effects of climate change on mountain ecosystems and societies in East Africa.
[More news](https://www.york.ac.uk/environment-geography/about/news/)
## Information for...
### [Current staff and students in Environment and Geography](https://www.york.ac.uk/environment-geography/current-students-staff/)
### [Alumni](https://www.york.ac.uk/alumni/)
People
[Meet our staff](https://www.york.ac.uk/environment-geography/people/)
About us
[Discover who we are](https://www.york.ac.uk/environment-geography/about/)
Campus map
[Find us on campus](https://www.york.ac.uk/map/#locid339)
Research
[Explore our research](https://www.york.ac.uk/environment-geography/research/)