Climate change, one of today’s most pressing global concerns, is a principal line of research at the URV, explored from multiple perspectives with internationally recognised research groups working directly in the region. The IU-RESCAT is coordinating and optimising these efforts, helping to achieve a more sustainable energy transition
These are crucial times for the future of our planet. The Earth has long shown signs of exhaustion, as pollution and the overexploitation of resources have made it imperative to rethink our societal model. Within the scientific community, there is unanimous agreement on the urgency of tackling climate change. The increasing severity of global warming highlights the need for immediate and effective action. This issue has been on the Universitat Rovira i Virgili’s radar for years, given its many complexities and far-reaching implications with research and education initiatives, which have emerged from the awareness and concern of various fields of knowledge. For the past two years, the IU-RESCAT has coordinated and optimised all research related to climate change and the effects of pollution at the URV. The University Institute for Research in Sustainability, Climate Change, and Energy Transition serves as the hub for different research groups, facilitating cross-disciplinary collaboration and ensuring that the challenges posed by the climate emergency are approached from a multidimensional perspective.
At the URV, no aspect of climate change is overlooked. Researchers study the behaviour and evolution of climate change from the perspectives of geography and climate science; they analyse its economic implications, exploring sustainable alternatives for transforming the economic model; they work on adapting law and policy to address emerging conflicts related to the climate crisis; they investigate the risks of pollution on both physical and mental health, while assessing its direct environmental impact, and searching for alternative energy sources and technological solutions that promote sustainable development. Beyond research, all fields of knowledge also place strong emphasis on increasing education and public awareness.
Javier Sigró: “Climate change intensifies natural events that have always occurred. Understanding the extent to which climate change contributes to specific phenomena is crucial”
The IU-RESCAT was established by the Centre for Climate Change (C3), which has been actively studying climate change within the Department of Geography for several years, officially since 2008. “Traditionally, our work has focused on detecting and characterising climate change, creating databases, and recovering historical records to track its evolution”, says Javier Sigró. He explains how they offer information to various sectors after translating raw data into practical indicators that can be used to monitor droughts, health risks, construction and infrastructure maintenance.
Sigró is a researcher at C3, a centre located on the Vila-seca campus, which is always open to collaboration with institutions and governments around the world to share its expertise and experience. For example, in one collaborative project with the World Meteorological Organisation, they focus on skill building and developing climate services in Latin America; in Africa, they cooperate with nations to develop indicators for climate change conferences. Another example that highlights their globally recognised expertise is their work with the company managing Italy’s railway infrastructure. Concerned about the potential impact of climate change on rail tracks, the company has enlisted their help to develop tools and indicators that can anticipate and monitor incidents that could affect the railway network.
They are also undertaking a project that analyses how climate change is evolving in mountainous regions, such as the Pyrenees and Sierra Nevada. This research explores whether historical temperature variations occur in the same way in valleys as they do at the mountains’ summits.
“We make extensive use of co-creation techniques, workshops, and fieldwork. But above all, we engage directly with the people affected. For instance, when studying droughts, we collaborate with farmers, government agencies managing water resources, and meteorological services”, explains Javier Sigró. He emphasises that their aim is always to ensure the information is useful, comprehensive, and reaches the right people and communities. “And most importantly, that it helps issue warnings to let people know what is coming”, he adds.
Ultimately, as Sigró points out, climate change intensifies natural events that have always occurred. Therefore, understanding the extent to which climate change contributes to specific phenomena is crucial. By studying climate models, researchers have been able to attribute 20% of the responsibility for the DANA (isolated high-level depression) in Valencia to climate change. “Or take droughts, for example. Parts of Africa and Latin America have always experienced droughts. But climate change exacerbates them and affects populations that are heavily dependent on agriculture.”
The C3 researcher also highlights a project that is being overseen by the IU-RESCAT: Life eCOadapt540, a European initiative aimed at helping local regions and economies adapt to climate change across nineteen areas of Catalonia. This is a truly multidisciplinary project, as “it encompasses green infrastructure, sustainable water resource management, economic resilience in tourism and agriculture”, which, as a result, involves URV researchers from a wide range of disciplines.
Susana Borràs: “Governments need to fill the gaps in their knowledge, and, from the social sciences, we can help contribute to the development of new regulations”
Another key area in the fight against climate change is environmental law, a long-standing specialisation at the URV. “We were among the first universities to introduce a mandatory subject in environmental law, at a time when discussions did not focus on climate change, but rather approached the issue in a very fragmented manner”, explains Susana Borràs, lecturer and researcher in the Department of Public Law. Borràs is a leading expert in the field and a member of the World Commission on Environmental Law, the leading international authority on natural heritage and biodiversity preservation. The URV has expanded its academic offering by introducing the optional subject “Sustainability and Climate Change”, which is shared across the degree programmes in Architecture, Law, Geography, and Communication. “There aren’t many universities offering a subject that addresses this issue in such a and cross-disciplinary manner across multiple departments”, notes Susana Borràs, who also highlights the University Master’s Degree in Environmental Law taught at the URV.
The roots of the URV’s concern for the crisis date back to 2007, when the Tarragona Centre for Environmental Law Studies was opened as part of the Faculty of Legal Sciences. This Centre brings together researchers from various disciplines, both within and beyond the legal sphere to gain an interdisciplinary perspective, with climate change as one of its most urgent areas of study.
In terms of research, the focus is mainly on the social impacts of climate change from multiple perspectives. “We do a lot of work on displacement caused by climate disasters, examining how climate change triggers migration processes in different regions of the world”, explains Borràs. The URV researchers are part of a global, unfunded, voluntary research initiative, which brings together experts from around the world to draft an international treaty aimed at protecting climate refugees. “Our goal is to present it to governments and encourage its adoption. Climate displacement will become increasingly frequent, but we’re still lacking an adequate legal framework.”
Borràs acknowledges that influencing governments is no easy feat, which is why researchers must rely on calls and funding opportunities at various levels of administration to try to influence policy. “We don’t draft legislation ourselves, but governments often need to fill gaps in their knowledge, and we can contribute to the development of new regulations by providing our expertise. We approach this from a social sciences perspective, ensuring neutrality and objectivity”, she explains. Another way of making their voices heard is by participating in international conferences and leading global forums. Above all, environmental law looks at how climate change affects human rights and how to ensure that the law reflects these social consequences.
Some of the key issues being addressed at the URV include incorporating an ecofeminist perspective; introducing ecocide (the destruction of one or more ecosystems) into criminal law, and advocating for the protection of oceans, which according to Borràs, remain largely neglected despite being crucial to ecological balance. A joint study by the URV and UB showed the severe impact of excessive cruise ship traffic on marine ecosystems.
Another issue is climate litigation, also on the rise, with an increasing number of court rulings in favour of citizens who claim that their rights have been violated due to government inaction on climate change (health issues, loss of quality of life, etc.). The latter has become a key focus in both research and education, working together with master’s degree students and European universities to develop tools for climate litigation. Their goal is to explore how to protect people’s rights in the context of the climate emergency, a process that also helps create guides for training law students.
“We cannot ignore that climate change is happening, and that these events will only become more frequent. We must adapt to the consequences in all areas, including their social impact. Supporting an economic system that disregards the planet’s limits is counter-productive, and failing to take action is irresponsible. Every sector must step up to the challenge”, she concludes.
Josep Maria Arauzo: “We analyse the barriers and enablers that influence how businesses adopt circular economy measures”
The economic sector, in particular, must also take a leading role in this transition. At the URV, researchers are actively looking for alternatives that permit a shift to a more sustainable economic model. Josep Maria Arauzo, lecturer in the Department of Economics and researcher at the Research Centre on Economics and Sustainability (ECO-SOS), is currently working on the circular economy, a crucial strategy for moving away from outdated practices that have contributed to global warming. “We are examining the barriers and enablers that influence how businesses adopt circular economy measures.”
According to Arauzo, the ecological and energy transition presents additional costs for businesses, which must adapt to new methods of production and organisation. “This entails costs, but it also opens up opportunities in terms of new markets and emerging professional profiles. Companies are increasingly aware of this”, Arauzo assures, “and are anticipating future restrictions and changes in value chains. These chains need to become more localised and reduce their energy and water consumption. Businesses must adjust their operations to align with a regulatory framework that is increasingly conscious of the unsustainability of the current model”. Arauzo believes it is important that businesses are aware of this transition, while also calling for governmental support through compensations and incentives. “It’s not a public expense”, he argues, “it’s an investment in the future”. In the end, a commitment to sustainability needs to be economically viable.
“Beyond that, governments need to adopt a comprehensive approach that includes policy packages. Promoting electric vehicles doesn’t make much sense if there are not enough charging points available”, Arauzo points out. In this regard, they are currently working on an energy transition plan in collaboration with Reus City Council. “We are presenting a range of measures for renewable energy they can implement to redesign the city’s energy landscape”, explains the ECO-SOS researcher, describing the initiative as “a good example of a multidisciplinary knowledge transfer project initiated by our institution at the request of public administration. The plan will include a comprehensive set of potential measures. The political decision then lies in choosing which ones to adopt.”
Josepa Canals: “We do the research, but implementing preventive measures is down to the authorities. It’s no easy feat”
Another area the URV is actively studying is the effects of pollution on human health, and mental health in particular. Josefa Canals, a lecturer in the Department of Psychology and researcher with the NUTRISAM research group (Nutrition and Mental Health), explains how. “We analyse how the air in our environment can affect health, particularly through toxins produced by traffic and industry. Tarragona is critical in this sense. We study pregnancies and whether toxins absorbed by the mother during gestation, either through the air or contaminated food, reach the foetus and affect its neurological development.”
Her colleague from the research group, Victoria Arija, a lecturer in the Department of Basic Medical Sciences, confirms that there is indeed a correlation between exposure to environmental pollution during gestation and potential neurodevelopmental issues in children. “Toxins from industrial contaminants can enter the body through food, but as consumers we’re helpless, as they have no smell and are undetectable to the naked eye. Microplastics, for instance, are commonly found in seafood and fish, making them some of the most contaminated foods. But they are still recommended because of their nutritional benefits.” Canals points out, for example, that children with higher levels of certain harmful metals in their urine tend to show more symptoms of attention deficit and reduced intellectual capacity. “These conditions are becoming increasingly common; it’s quite alarming”, admits Arija. The two researchers mention how in recent years, there has been an increase in the prevalence of autism, likely due to these same factors.
Their research highlights additional evidence underscoring the urgent need to reverse the pollution trends contributing to climate change. “We can do the research, but implementing preventive measures is down to the authorities. And even then, reaching and influencing health departments is another challenge”, laments Josefa Canals.
The URV is involved in two more projects in the field of health that aim to make an impact by assessing how climate change affects individuals with chronic illnesses. Coordinated by the MútuaTerrassa Teaching and Research Foundation, in participation with the Meteorological Service of Catalonia and the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC), this pioneering international research aims to develop scientific indicators that can anticipate and improve individuals’ health outcomes. The project will focus on creating global recommendations and strategies to help healthcare systems adapt to the challenges posed by climate change. Researchers Maria Vinaixa and Òscar Yanes from the URV Mil@b research group, will play an active role in the initiative.
Joaquim Rovira: “There is still so much research to be done regarding the toxicity of microplastics. But there is growing evidence that they have a negative impact on our health”
In relation to the fish and seafood contamination highlighted by Josefa Canals and Victoria Arija, significant research has been conducted at the URV’s Centre for Environmental, Food and Toxicological Technology (Tecnatox). The Centre has carried out extensive studies on microplastic contamination, yet another pressing concern in today’s climate crisis. According to one of the Tecnatox researchers, Joaquim Rovira, most marine organisms consumed by humans, particularly molluscs, contain microplastics. As a result, an average adult consumer ingests approximately 8,000 microplastic particles annually, which can reach up to 20,000 per year for heavy seafood consumers.
“There is still much research to be done regarding the toxicity of microplastics”, Rovira explains, “but there is mounting evidence that these particles, along with the substances they carry, have a negative impact on our health”. Tecnatox’s research has shown that by identifying the material and shape of contaminating microplastics, which originate from various sources but often end up in the sea, it is possible to trace their origins. For example, polypropylene fibres are commonly linked to fishing nets; polyamide particles to synthetic clothing fibres; and polyethylene fragments to single-use plastic bags. According to Rovira, these findings highlight the need for changes in production models and greater respect for environmental protection.
Joan Manel Vallès: “Our research findings must help show how the implementation of renewable energy, which we urgently need, benefits us all”
To move towards a sustainable economic model and advance the ecological transition, alternative energy sources are key. Several research groups at the URV are actively working to promote and expand the use of renewable energies. In the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Joan Manel Vallès and Dieter Boer are exploring renewable solutions and developing alternative energy models. Vallès explains how their team is preparing proposals for municipalities that combine technologies of varying scales, allowing local governments to select options based on budget and impact. “We’re designing it as an energy community, whereby municipalities can choose the combination of renewable technologies that best suits their needs. These are not isolated communities; they remain connected to the grid, which they can draw on when needed, given that only consuming self-generated energy is very difficult and would require significantly larger installations. The ultimate goal is to achieve the best economic balance.”
Boer mentions how his team are collaborating with a Catalan government plan to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, and studying the feasibility of installing solar panels on rural houses. “To meet targets effectively, we would need to multiply renewable energy capacity by twenty”, he adds. Using cadastral maps, they are able to assess available space, climate data, and current energy consumption levels. “We ultimately need a combination of energy sources because sunlight and wind are not always available, they need storing, and we need a significant amount”, Boer explains. Their calculations indicate that covering one-third of available rooftops could generate approximately 30% of the region’s current energy demand.
Rural areas have the space for renewables and relatively low energy consumption, making them a good option to produce surplus energy, a potential source of additional income for local communities, which provides social benefits. However, Boer points out that some areas in Catalonia are facing growing resistance to renewable energy projects, particularly in regions where these installations are already heavily concentrated. Everyone supports renewables, just not in their back garden. “One key task we need to focus on now is education to foster social acceptance. Our research must help show the widespread benefits of renewable energy”, says Joan Manel Vallès, who also stresses today’s high energy consumption levels, which underscore the urgent need to expand renewable energy production.
Vallès and Boer highlight biomass as a promising alternative energy source. Biomass is currently overabundant (which is, in itself, problematic), due to underutilised forest resources, for example. In fact, several research groups at the URV are exploring how to use biomass and other waste-to-energy strategies. One such group is the Tecnio AMIC research group (Environmental and Industrial Applications of Catalysis), led by Francesc Medina. In addition, researchers are investigating biofuels and green hydrogen, which is often coordinated through the URV-Fundación Repsol Chair of Energy Transition.
Several other ongoing projects are actively exploring climate change, such as the research being done at the Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology on how climate change affects vineyards, and grape and wine quality; the Mycology and Environmental Microbiology Unit has identified new species of fungi, potentially pathogenic to humans, which have emerged as a result of the drought; the Department of Geography is also investigating the effects of climate change on castell events, where participants are increasingly exposed to extreme heat. In addition to these projects, many of the URV’s outreach activities (Research Night, Science Week, student competitions like hackathons) regularly focus on climate change, its consequences, and potential solutions.
Enric Aguilar: “Climate change cannot be tackled from a single field of knowledge. At the URV, every line of research is involved, led by highly skilled researchers”
As such, with such a strong focus on climate change research and so much work already accomplished (with a great deal still to be done) the creation of the IU-RESCAT was the perfect opportunity to “provide a comprehensive perspective to address such a complex issue”, as its director, Enric Aguilar, explains. Aguilar stresses that climate change cannot be tackled from a single field of knowledge, and that the URV’s diverse research expertise offers a valuable advantage in this regard. “We also support one another. For example, we’re currently studying wind potential and solar radiation. While this has an atmospheric component, it also requires translating that data into energy production, urban planning, economic impact, and the supporting legal framework.”
Education is also a key focus, and the IU-RESCAT is actively involved in the Postgraduate Programme on Renewable Energy Communities, offered in collaboration with the Catalan Association of Municipalities through the URV Foundation (FURV) and the Federation for Municipal and Territorial Development. “And this is where many of the Institute’s research groups come together, providing a more comprehensive perspective”, says Aguilar.
The director highlights that the IU-RESCAT is composed of research teams that excel in their respective fields. While these groups continue to carry out individual projects, when they collaborate, interact and exchange ideas, the impact of their work is multiplied. This synergy plays a vital role in generating proposals, data, and models that support informed decision-making in the face of the climate crisis. The future of our planet is at stake.
