Policy@Manchester Articles

Expert insight, analysis and comment on key public policy issues

Policy@Manchester Articles
Expert insight, analysis and comment on key public policy issues
Plastic bottles without bottle caps.

The Plastic Problem: moving from a linear to a circular economy.

Thomas Franklin By Filed Under: All posts, Energy and Environment, Science and Technology Posted:

Plastics have enabled society to progress at an unprecedented pace and have facilitated momentous advances in technology. However, it is the inherent durability of plastic which largely accounts for both its success and the plastic waste problem we now face. Our behaviour and choices as consumers or producers of plastic waste are of great importance […]

River in Flood

Under the weather: Reimagining mobility in the climate crisis

S Sodero headshot By Filed Under: All posts, Cities and Environment, Energy and Environment Posted:

Transport systems are essential to the movement of people, things, and services. When disrupted, as during severe weather, social and economic costs are high. Communities are vulnerable to extreme weather – whether in Canada or in the UK. In this article, Stephanie Sodero, drawing on research using Atlantic Canadian hurricane case studies, explores how communities […]

A swarm of asteroids in front of the Milky Way galaxy

Space rocks: the need for an international approach to space resource utilisation

photo of Katherine Joy wearing a black top By and Filed Under: All posts, Science and Engineering, Science and Technology Posted:

Extraction of Earth’s resources is vital for the advancement of modern infrastructure and technology. However, Earth’s resources are limited, and their continued use for the expansion and growth of humanity has resulted in their depletion. Mining is often destructive, we have little control over the global distribution of economically viable reserves of rare materials, and […]

A space brick.

Green space: off-world habitation could stimulate sustainability on Earth

Image of Aled Roberts By Filed Under: Science and Technology Posted:

NASA’s Artemis program aims to return humans to the lunar surface by 2025, before establishing a sustained human presence on and around the Moon by the end of the decade. This so-called Lunar Gateway will then be used as a staging point for future missions to Mars. With estimated project costs approaching $100 billion, a criticism of […]

Busy commuters in station

A nuclear society: rebuilding perceptions of nuclear energy

Adrian Bull with beard By Filed Under: Energy and Environment, Renewables, Science and Engineering, Science and Technology Posted:

The nuclear industry has historically had a fairly tumultuous relationship with wider society. Early perceptions of nuclear energy were generally positive, with it viewed as a beacon of how technology went hand in hand with increasing prosperity. However, a history of highly-publicised leaks, discharges and assorted incidents have created a legacy of societal mistrust of […]

Communities, traffic and positive action to address air pollution

Sheena Cruickshank By Filed Under: All posts, Cities and Environment, Energy and Environment, Health and Care, Urban Posted:

Air pollution levels in Greater Manchester are some of the highest in the UK. As air pollution can potentially worsen pre-existing health conditions, Greater Manchester residents are increasingly concerned about the high rates of air pollution and are seeking to find practical, place-based solutions to tackle the issue. In this article, Professor Sheena Cruickshank addresses […]

Sustainability transitions: catalysing innovation in the foundational economy for a green and just future

Photo of Usman's profileElvira UyarraPhoto of Jo Mylan wearing a pink scarf and blazer By , and Filed Under: All posts, Cities and Environment, Energy and Environment, Growth and Inclusion, UK economy, Urban Posted:

The UK is making progress to achieve net zero, with the latest findings indicating that UK emissions in 2021 fell below 2019 levels. These efforts, however, are still identified as insufficient for fulfilling the Paris Agreement. To lead the way towards a green and just future, regional and urban areas are developing ambitious strategies to […]

Can geothermal energy provide a sustainable source of renewable heat in the UK?

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

With the move towards sustainable, low carbon energy in the UK, alongside a need for long-term energy security, a range of renewable energy sources are under consideration by national and devolved governments in the UK. Some, like wind energy, are well-developed, while others have barely entered the public consciousness. One such source is geothermal energy. […]

Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage – real-worlding emission estimates

Clair GoughAndrew Welfle By , and Filed Under: All posts, Energy and Environment, Science and Engineering, UK economy Posted:

Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) could play an important role in meeting the UK’s net zero emissions target according to the sixth carbon budget scenarios. However, there are many different ways BECCS could be deployed in the UK, and how that roll out is managed could make a big difference in terms of […]

An astronaut floating in space with the Sun and Earth pictured behind them

How can understanding astronaut psychology benefit us all?

Nathan Smith By and Filed Under: All posts, Science and Engineering, Science and Technology Posted:

Plans are underway for a permanent base on the Moon and human missions to Mars. These missions will be challenging for crew members and supporting the search for ways to maintain physical and psychological wellbeing and promote high performance is key. In this blog, Professor Emma Barrett and Dr Nathan Smith outline their recommendations for […]

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Articles give the views of the author, and are not necessarily those of The University of Manchester.

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