We are thrilled to announce that our research project, led by Principal Investigator Dr Kerry Ryan Chance, has been prominently featured in University World News. The article, titled “Raising the Voice of HE on the Global Sustainability Stage,” showcases the vital role our work is playing in addressing some of the most pressing challenges of our time—air pollution, climate change, and their intersection with global poverty.
Kerry Ryan Chance at the UN High-Level Political Forum
Dr. Chance, an Associate Professor in the Department of Social Anthropology at the University of Bergen, represented the Habitable Air Project at the United Nations’ High-Level Political Forum (HLPF). During the “Science, Technology, and Innovation” session, she highlighted the crucial importance of interdisciplinary research and collaboration across sectors to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
Speaking at the forum, Dr. Chance underscored the need for higher education institutions to act as leaders in fostering partnerships between academia, policymakers, industry, and local communities. Her insights emphasised that the combined efforts of nature scientists, social scientists, and humanists—grounded in local knowledge—are essential for tracking, monitoring, and analysing the complex challenges posed by air pollution and climate change.
Advancing Research for a Sustainable Future
In addition to her intervention at the main forum, Dr. Chance delivered a compelling ‘lightning talk’ at Science Day, a special event organised by the International Science Council. This event was part of the HLPF’s main programme and served as a platform for discussing cutting-edge research and innovation in sustainability.
The Habitable Air Project also hosted a side event focusing on measuring and monitoring community-level emissions, featuring some of the world’s leading experts on air pollution. This event reinforced the project’s commitment to advancing research that begins with local communities and contributes to the global fight against environmental degradation and its socio-economic impacts.
The Importance of Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration
“What came out of these events was the importance of working across disciplines and across sectors towards SDG goals,” Dr. Chance told University World News.
She stressed that addressing the multiplying crises caused by air pollution requires actions that include measuring and making public the impacts of pollution, advancing research that starts with local knowledge, and ensuring higher education plays a pivotal role in catalysing cooperation between various sectors.
Dr. Chance’s participation at HLPF has amplified the voice of our research project on the global stage, reinforcing the importance of our work in driving sustainable development and climate action.
Looking Ahead
As we continue to push the boundaries of interdisciplinary research, our commitment to addressing air pollution and its wide-ranging impacts remains steadfast. We are proud to have our work recognised by University World News and to contribute to the global conversation on sustainability.
Stay tuned for more updates on our research and ongoing initiatives as we strive to create a healthier, more sustainable future for all.
Read the full University World News article here.