Professor David Hannah celebrated in the 2024 Environment 100 list

Professor David Hannah, Deputy Pro-Vice Chancellor of Sustainability, has been recognised for his impact on sustainability in the UK in the Environment 100 list

Professor David Hannah standing with his arms resting on an ornate bannister rail

Professor David Hannah, Deputy Pro-Vice Chancellor of Sustainability at the University of Birmingham

Professor David Hannah has been shortlisted by 2024 Environment 100 in acknowledgement of his leadership, innovation and commitment to both sustainability and global ecological preservation.

Environment 100 recognises and celebrates the leaders, innovators and unsung heroes who are making a significant impact on environmental sustainability in the UK.

Upon his nomination, Professor Hannah said: “I am delighted to have been included in the prestigious 2024 Environment 100 list, and to be shortlisted alongside so many pioneering and visionary individuals who are committed to sustainability. It is an exciting time to be at the University of Birmingham, where we are dedicated to achieving our important sustainability goals. I look forward to continuing our ambitious work in research, education and operations as we tackle global sustainability challenges and chart our institutional net zero journey". 

Professor Julia Myatt, Director of Sustainability Education, commented: “It is a pleasure to work with David and to see his commitment to sustainability and the University’s goals recognised. He is a passionate advocate for achieving positive environmental and social outcomes, and a pioneer in his efforts to embed sustainability into everything we do. I am delighted to see his dedication acknowledged.”

David Hannah is a Professor of Hydrology in the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, and 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 delighted to have been included in the prestigious 2024 Environment 100 list, and to be shortlisted alongside so many pioneering and visionary individuals who are committed to sustainability

Professor David Hannah, University of Birmingham

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.

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. Through its research, education, and operations, the University will make major contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and to the UK’s Net Zero by 2050 target.

Over the last academic year, the University has made significant progress towards its sustainability goals. From receiving 35th place in the QS World Sustainability Rankings and 87th in the People & Planet awards, to launching the Thriving Planet global research campaign and our groundbreaking report, ‘Adaptation and Building Resilience in a Changing World', at COP28, the university is closer to tackling global sustainability challenges and achieving its own goal of becoming operationally net zero. 

Environment 100 will celebrate the achievements of their nominees at the NEC in Birmingham on Wednesday, 11 September. These awards spotlight the environmental champions who are driving sustainability, shaping green policies or are pioneering eco-friendly solutions. Through these awards, Environment 100 aims to inspire others to follow in their footsteps and contribute towards a greener future.

To learn more about the University’s sustainability activities, please visit the Sustainability & Social Responsibility webpages.

Notes for editors

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The University of Birmingham is ranked amongst the world’s top 100 institutions. Its work brings people from across the world to Birmingham, including researchers, teachers and more than 8,000 international students from over 150 countries.