2026 Bath Conference on Earth System Governance
Our centre and the University of Bath hosted the annual global Earth System Governance conference in 2026.
Bath Centre for Earth System Governance
We are a pioneering hub for research on environmental governance and sustainability transitions, working towards a just and sustainable planet.
What is the Bath Centre for Earth System Governance (BCESG)
Who we are: We are a team of interdisciplinary researchers building knowledge on the governance of global environmental change and sustainability transitions. Through our research, we collaborate with partners from across the globe to generate tangible outcomes.
What we do: We produce impactful research on multi-level governance of pressing sustainable development challenges. We look at areas like climate change, biodiversity loss, deforestation, and pollution, and offer timely advice to a range of stakeholders.
Why we matter: The planet is facing a crisis in climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. We are committed to supporting the development of effective and just governance systems to combat these challenges and build social-ecological resilience.
The BCESG also fosters a vibrant and inclusive global research community. Our work aims to protect planetary integrity, and train future leaders and changemakers in sustainability governance.
2026 Bath Conference on Earth System Governance
Exploring how governments, institutions, businesses, civil society, and communities can respond to climate change, biodiversity loss and other interconnected environmental challenges.
Research themes
We work holistically across a range of social science disciplines to improve knowledge on sustainability governance globally. These span politics, economics, public policy, and management.
Our research focuses on sustainability governance at four different levels:
- Global Governance
- National Policies and Regulations
- Local and Individual-led Initiatives
- Private Governance
We examine the dynamics between these four areas and provide actionable recommendations to stakeholders for a more sustainable future.
BCESG spotlight
Find out more about key examples of our work.
Sustainability Governance of China's Global Infrastructure Investments
The BCESG led a flagship research project on sustainability governance in a changing political area.
Generating actionable insights to improve governance for sustainable forest-risk commodities
We're part of this research project, funded by the UK FCDO, to strengthen sustainability governance of forest-risk commodities across global supply chains.
Our seminar series
We organise a regular series of in-person research seminars at Bath. Our seminars give researchers, both internal and external, opportunities to share their latest work on environmental governance and sustainable development.
These sessions aim to stimulate interdisciplinary discussion - promoting collaboration towards understanding and realising sustainable, just futures.
We welcome speakers across all career stages, especially early career researchers. If you would like to present your work, please get in touch at esg@bath.ac.uk
View our seminar series
News
Read our latest research news.
New Bath–Fudan partnership to advance research and education on global climate governance
A new agreement between the University of Bath and Fudan University will strengthen collaboration in research and education.
Professor Yixian Sun appointed to UN advisory council shaping global sustainability standards
The United Nations Forum on Sustainability Standards (UNFSS) welcomes new members, including University of Bath academic Professor Yixian Sun.
China urged to lead on climate action ahead of China and Global Sustainability Transition conference
University of Bath academic calls on China to seize its unique opportunity to lead on global climate action.
University of Bath academics taking part in COP30 to highlight research and ActNow film
The youth-focused ActNowFilm project and Bath research will be on show at COP30
Work with us
We are interested in hearing from researchers at the University of Bath, who are welcome to join us as core or associate members, and institutions across the globe whose work aligns with ours.
We are also keen to collaborate with public and private actors driving transformative change in sustainability transitions.
Please get in touch with us at esg@bath.ac.uk
Studying with us
We welcome applications for PhD programmes in different social science disciplines under the supervision of our core members.
Please refer to the PhD programmes in the relevant departments and contact potential supervisors by September in the year before their intended entry. We particularly welcome projects co-supervised across departments.
The University also offers a MSc in Climate, Sustainability and Social Transformation.
About us
We are a team of interdisciplinary researchers building knowledge on the governance of global environmental change and sustainability transitions. Through our research, we collaborate with partners from across the globe to generate tangible outcomes.
Contact us
Contact us for more information, or to ask about studying or collaborating with us.