The University of Tasmania has been ranked the world’s best university for climate action for the fifth year in a row.
The result is part of the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, which measure universities against the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals across teaching, research, stewardship and outreach.
For climate action, the rankings assess research, low-carbon energy use, environmental education and progress towards carbon neutrality.
UTAS has held the top spot in the category every year since its current run began.
The university said its local education work was a key reason for the result.
Its Curious Climate Schools program connects students aged 10 to 18 with climate scientists.
Researchers have also worked with people affected by the 2022 floods in northern Tasmania to improve future flood planning.
Some of the university’s resilience work draws on Aboriginal traditional knowledge.
Vice-Chancellor Rufus Black said the result came at a time when climate action was slowing in many parts of the world.
“In a world where action on climate is slowing down in too many places, the science is telling us that we need to redouble our efforts,” Black said.
“The sustained recognition we have achieved for climate action speaks to the consistency of our ambition and the collective effort of staff, students and partners.”
Chief Sustainability Officer Corey Peterson said the university’s long-term approach was delivering results.
He said it was “motivating us to keep pushing further”.
The university has been certified carbon neutral for 10 years under the federal Climate Active program, making it one of only three Australian universities with the certification.
By the end of 2025, it was nearly halfway to its target of cutting gross emissions by at least 50% by 2030, against a 2015 baseline.
UTAS sits in the 251-300 band of the 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings and is ranked 311th on the 2027 QS World University Rankings list.
