Klaus Dodds, Professor of Geopolitics in the Department of Geography, will work with the Environmental Audit Select Committee (EAC) on the UK's role in Arctic sustainability.

The EAC is a cross-party select committee of 16 MPs, chaired by Mary Creagh MP. It scrutinises the performance of government departments and agencies on sustainable development and environmental protection.

Klaus’ role will be to work with the Committee secretariat to provide specialist advice in relation to the UKs role in the Arctic, which is undergoing profound changes as a result of climate change.

It is warming almost twice as fast as the global average and recent research suggests microplastic and plastic pollution is an increasing problem.

Klaus said of his new appointment: “I am delighted to be appointed to this role.

“It is a great honour to work for the Environment Audit Committee and to engage with parliamentarians about the Arctic, and why it matters to the UK.”

Mary Creagh, Chair of the Environmental Audit Committee, added: “The Arctic is warming rapidly as a result of climate change.

“The UK is a proud champion of environmental science and has historically been committed to promoting responsible development in the Arctic.

“Our inquiry will assess the Government’s Arctic policy, and whether the UK, as one of the Arctic’s nearest neighbours, should be doing more to protect this vulnerable region.”