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Policy@Manchester Articles: Cities and Environment
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Decarbonising heating: flying by the heat of our pants?

By Filed Under: Cities and Environment, Energy and Environment, Renewables, Science and Engineering, Science and Technology Posted:

The 26th UN Climate Change Conference – COP26 – is on the horizon, due to kick off in Glasgow on 1 November. It seems that, despite the socio-economic worries brought on by a global pandemic, heightened societal attention to climate change is here to stay. Now, more than ever, climate change is at the forefront […]

One bin to rule them all: the future of plastic waste?

By Filed Under: All posts, Cities and Environment, Energy and Environment, Renewables, Science and Engineering, Science and Technology Posted:

Despite the success of environmental campaigners in raising awareness of plastic pollution, much of the plastic waste produced in the UK is not recycled. In part, this is due to the complexity of the multiple recycling schemes in place across the country, causing confusion for both the public and waste management companies in terms of […]

A child playing with language blocs to show language diversity

From celebration to public policy: International Mother Language Day as a civic identity badge

Yaron MatrasDaniele Viktor LeggioRebecca Tipton By , and Filed Under: Cities and Environment, Growth and Inclusion Posted:

On 21 February 2021, Manchester will again be celebrating UNESCO International Mother Language Day (IMLD). This year’s activities will be held online to accommodate to the pandemic conditions. For the second time, they are being coordinated by the City of Literature initiative based in Manchester’s local authority. In this blog, Professor Yaron Matras, Dr Daniele […]

How can we drive businesses to deliver on Net Zero?

By Filed Under: All posts, Cities and Environment, Energy and Environment, Renewables, Urban Posted:

Nearly a fifth of the UK’s carbon emissions are generated by businesses. With global emissions expected to be just 4% lower than in 2019, urgent action is required across all sectors to achieve net zero goals. But how can we push businesses to sustainability when their bottom line is at stake? Here, Professor Jonatan Pinkse, […]

woman on wheelchair entering bus

Mobility transitions: COVID-19 and building back better post-carbon transport futures

By Filed Under: Cities and Environment, Energy and Environment Posted:

In the days and weeks following the global lockdowns due to COVID-19, reports emerged on plunging carbon emissions and better air quality. The hashtag #BuildBackBetter quickly emerged as communities and governments started thinking about how to reconfigure essential travel infrastructure in a rapidly changing world. But as lockdown restrictions have eased, to varying levels, emissions […]

Building back better: rethinking urban futures with children and young people

By Filed Under: Cities and Environment, Education, Inclusive Growth Posted:

The global pandemic of 2020 has had a huge impact on the lives of millions of citizens around the world, with research showing that children and young people (CYP) have been the most severely affected. Here in the UK and beyond, governments and policymakers are expressing their determination to ‘build back better’ after COVID-19, while […]

Protecting our children’s memory – how can we tackle the scourge of poor air quality in and around our schools?

Martie van Tongeren By and Filed Under: All posts, Cities and Environment, Health and Care, Health and Social Care, Urban Posted:

Every day, children are exposed to levels of pollution, both during their journeys to and from school but also in playgrounds and classrooms. Results from a new literature review carried out by The University of Manchester suggests traffic-related air pollution, specifically particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), are detrimental to cognitive functioning in children […]

laptop, desk and chair

COVID-19 and sustainable everyday routines

Claire Hoolohan By Filed Under: All posts, Cities and Environment, Energy and Environment, Urban Posted:

Climate change requires rapid and fundamental transformation of our society to change the way that resources like energy and water are used during everyday routines. However, unsustainable consumption proves surprisingly impervious to policies and interventions intended to reduce emissions, not least because taken-for-granted ways of living become ‘locked-in’ by cultural and material conditions of society. […]

Graphene providing a firm foundation for a more sustainable construction industry

James Baker By Filed Under: Cities and Environment, Energy and Environment, Renewables, Science and Engineering, Science and Technology Posted:

If we want to achieve a zero carbon world we literally need to build it in a different way. Here, James Baker, CEO of Graphene@Manchester talks about the need to support and accelerate graphene innovation to help make building materials much more sustainable in a bid to meet regional and national net zero targets. Greater […]

Getting women’s voices into policymaking in Greater Manchester

Francesca Gains By Filed Under: All posts, Cities and Environment, Devo, Growth and Inclusion Posted:

Progress toward achieving equality in life chances, so that all citizens can fulfil their potential, has been slow. Despite women in the UK having the vote for over 100 years and protection from equalities legislation since the 1970s, there are still significant inequalities in the educational, employment, care and retirement choices available to men and […]

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