Earlier today, on World Earth Day, Times Higher Education (THE) released the second edition of its Impact Rankings, which measure how an institution’s research, outreach and stewardship is delivering against the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
McGill had a strong showing in a number of SDGs, ranking in the top 50 worldwide in four of the 17 SDGs, and the top 100 in three others. In total, 857 universities from 89 countries and regions across six continents were ranked for at least one of the SDGs.
“We believe that universities are our greatest hope of solving some of the world’s biggest challenges, and THE’s Impact Rankings bring this to light like never before,” said Phil Baty, Chief Knowledge Officer at THE. “Unlike many traditional rankings, participation is just as important as overall position, with institutions actively demonstrating how seriously they take their role in achieving a sustainable world. The results reveal how many are putting this at the heart of their missions.”
The Impact Rankings measure the extent to which universities are having a positive environmental, social and economic impact on the planet. It is the first university ranking to use this criteria, rather than traditional metrics, such as reputation and research prestige. Carefully calibrated indicators are used to provide comprehensive comparisons across three broad areas: research, outreach and stewardship.
McGill had its best results in the following SDGs:
- Life on Land (21st)
This measures universities’ research on life on land and their education on and support for land ecosystems. - Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (41st)
This evaluates universities’ research on law and international relations, their participation as advisers for government and their policies on academic freedom. - Climate Action (43rd)
This explores universities’ research on climate change, their use of energy and their preparations for dealing with the consequences of climate change. - Zero Hunger (48th)
This measures universities’ research on hunger, their teaching on food sustainability and their commitment to tackle food waste and address hunger among students and local communities. - Responsible Consumption and Production (72nd)
This measures universities’ research on responsible consumption and their approach to the sustainable use of resources. - Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (87th)
This measures universities’ research on industry and innovation, their number of patents and spin-off companies and their research income from industry. - Clean Water and Sanitation (91st)
This measures universities’ research related to water, their water usage and their commitment to ensuring good water management in the wider community
There are 17 SDGs, which were adopted by the UN in 2015 to provide a framework for developing the world in a sustainable way.
These include ending poverty and hunger; promoting good health and well-being and quality education; achieving gender equality and economic growth; providing access to clean water and sanitation and affordable and clean energy; fostering innovation; reducing inequalities; building sustainable cities and communities and achieving responsible consumption and production; tackling climate change; managing sustainably life below water and life on land; promoting peaceful societies; and revitalizing global partnerships. Learn more.
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Article courtesy of The McGill Reporter
