Keele natural scientists have taken delivery of two innovative high-tech electronic devices that will help them in the University’s drive to help the UK tackle climate change.

The two innovative devices, the Shimadzsu TOC-L Total Organic Carbon and Nitrogen Analyser and the Gasmet DX 4105 portable gas analyser, are cutting edge equipment to measure important plnat growth nurteinets (carbon and nitrogen) and to monitor greenhouse gas concentrations and levels in water, air and soil.

Experts from across the University will be using the specialist kit on a host of exciting projects cutting carbon dioxide from the economy - from helping cut cows burping methane,storing (sequestering) carbon dioxide in soils around the world to analysisying the composition or organic matter locked up within ice cores.

International climate scientist Professor Chris Fogwill, who leads Keele’s Institute for Sustainable Futures, said this was a really exciting time to be in this “field” of research.

“The world has finally woken up to climate change. The UK is centre stage - hosting the No 1 international meeting on Climate Change Action, COP 26, in October. Countries and industry are at last committing to going carbon neutral. But getting there is a a serious scientific challenge across every sector of the economy.

“Cutting edge scientific research is central to solving this existential crisis for humanity. Keele, through its Institute for Sustainable Futures is been leading the way.

“Keele’s 600 acre campus is a living laboratory for climate change action - from hosting Europe’s £15million Smart Energy Network Demonstrator project, the UK’s first domestic hydrogen trial, and developing a renewable energy farm to power up the whole University operation,” he said.

Soil specialist Dr Helen Glanville, who won the £100,000 funding to buy the kit, said it would transform the way scientists from across multiple disciplines work.

“Scientists looking at soil health, institutions across the world have to hire in this sophisticated equipment when they need it, and that can be really inconvenient. Buying the kit for Keele will open up new opportunities for research across the University. It means we can accelerate the fight against climate change,” she said.