Resources and Pollution

The earth has a finite supply of naturally occurring resources, which human society uses for its own advancement and development. Research here looks to quantify the environmental implications of our need for resources like water, food, raw materials and chemicals, and how to meet this demand sustainably. The Institute is tackling challenges such as the pollution of the waterways and ocean by microplastics, reducing air pollution in our urban areas, and the effects of exploration and mining for the precious minerals or metals that are required by technologies required for low-carbon development.

Researchers at Imperial are leading a project to develop a systems approach to urban water management, to provide integrated solutions that enable required housing growth in London, while sustainably managing water and environment in the city.
the sea and a beach littered with plastic bottles

Researchers at the Grantham Institute study the sources, impact and solutions to plastic in the ocean, drawing on Imperial's world-renowned expertise in engineering, physics and chemistry.
women in India walking away from the camera with water pots on their head

Researchers at Imperial are looking at the impacts that changes to the water cycle are having on a global scale, and how the risks of these impacts might increase in the future.

Explore our work

From assessing the impacts of air pollution, to considering the impact of climate change on water resources in India, read more about our work on resources and pollution.

Mogden sewage works

Climate change and the human-made water cycle

This paper considers the impact of climate change on water resources and how the UK can plan for the future by implementing a sustainable water cycle.
mountain of rubbish waste against a blue sky

Blog: Don’t blame plastic, blame poor waste management

Professor Chris Cheeseman considers the plastic pollution crisis, and why designers and engineers are fundamental to developing a long-term solution.
close up of people filling up large water bottles from communal taps

Experiences and lessons in managing water from Cape Town

This briefing provides an overview of the conditions that led to drought in Cape Town, the impacts of the crisis, and the interventions implemented.
close up of plastic in a lake or waterway

Blog: How can cities save the ocean from plastic pollution?

What is the impact of urban plastic pollution on marine environments, and how can policy and local action can help prevent ocean plastic pollution?
8 lanes of traffic on a motorway going through green hills

Novel policy tools to assess the impacts of air pollution

This briefing outlines how reducing pollutants that warm the atmosphere will have immediate benefits for climate impacts as well as air quality.

Building covered with greenery

Integrating green and blue spaces into our cities

This briefing considers how blue-green infrastructure can improve the overall quality of life in cities through sustainable urban development.
crowds of people on the banks of the ganges

Climate change impacts on the water resources of the Ganges

This briefing discusses the impact of climate change on water resources in India, and considers adaptation strategies for water resource management.

Blog: Are water resources vulnerable to melting glaciers?

Dr Wouter Buytaert discusses assessing the vulnerability of water resources to melting glaciers, and designing adequate adaptation strategies.

Hear from the experts:

A Q&A with Maria Aivaglozou on flooding in Rafina, how it can be predicted, and the impacts of climate change on flood risk. Play video
Dr Ana Mijic tells us about her research on how climate change will impact water availability in the Ganges river basin. Play video
A Q&A with Dr Mohammad Hoque on his research exploring the health effects of sea level rise. Play video

Academics / Publications - resources & pollution

Academic Expertise

Explore our Grantham Affiliates Directory to find Imperial academics working in:

View all Grantham Affiliates

Publications

Grantham Institute briefing papers provide background and advice on key climate change and environment issues. 

Read Grantham Institute publications on resources and pollution.