Universities in the UK have taken a growing interest in climate change over the past 50 years, with varying support from the government over this period. From being mainly academic research interest to a central policy concern, the degree of engagement between universities and the government has evolved, although with the government primarily seeking to encourage research and reserving its more directive powers for a more recent focus on compliance in emissions reduction. Universities engage with climate change policy on several levels, but the role of government across each is differentiated and has varied over time. Mapping out the involvement therefore requires examination of trends across research, teaching, operations, and external engagement, each being affected by long-term trends in the relationship between UK governments and the higher education sector. Overall, UK university commitment to climate change mitigation is strong but, as a result of a fragmented policy framework, has been less cohesive than it could have been.