Expert insight, analysis and comment on key public policy issues
By Rob Bellamy Filed Under: All posts, Energy and Environment, Science and Engineering, Science and Technology Posted:
The latest IPCC report on the state of the world’s climate shows that the remaining carbon budget – the amount of CO2 that can still be emitted while keeping global warming below 1.5 degrees – is almost gone. To meet net zero within these parameters, we will need to remove CO2 that is already in […]
By Cathy Hollis, Kevin Taylor and Lin Ma Filed Under: All posts, Energy and Environment, Science and Engineering, Science and Technology Posted:
In 2019, the UK became the first major economy to legally commit to achieving net zero CO2 emissions by 2050. With new evidence of rapid, anthropogenic-induced climate change emerging, it is likely that many climate forecasts have underestimated the speed and extent of climate change. This means that drastic action is needed to both slow […]
By Hugh Coe Filed Under: All posts, Cities and Environment, Energy and Environment Posted:
Poor air quality exacerbates socioeconomic inequalities and results in negative health outcomes, especially among vulnerable groups exposed to high levels of pollution. Air pollution remains a pressing global challenge against the backdrop of rapid urbanisation. In this blog, Professor Hugh Coe outlines opportunities for the UK to lead and co-develop solutions to address air pollution, […]
By Nicholas Marsden Filed Under: All posts, Cities and Environment, Energy and Environment, Science and Technology Posted:
While poor air quality is generally associated with adverse health outcomes, some air pollutants are more harmful than others. In this blog, Dr Nicholas Marsden outlines the need for building air quality monitoring networks to study specific properties of fine particulate matter (PM). Some PM types are more harmful than others; more research on PM […]
By Ron Chan, Veronica Vienne and Martino Pelli Filed Under: All posts, Cities and Environment, Energy and Environment Posted:
Recent empirical evidence demonstrates that air pollution has negative effects on the labour market beyond health-related costs. In this blog, Dr Ron Chan and Ms Veronica Vienne from The University of Manchester and Dr Martino Pelli from Université de Sherbrooke explore the non-health-related impacts of air pollution on the labour force, using the wildfires in Chile […]
By Sheena Cruickshank Filed Under: All posts, Cities and Environment, Health and Care, Urban Posted:
There are major disparities in the impacts of air pollution, with low-income communities facing greater health risks due to higher exposure to air pollutants. In this blog, Professor Sheena Cruickshank, an immunologist and Academic Lead for Public Engagement with Research at The University of Manchester, outlines the disproportionate health effects of air pollution on marginalised […]
By Martie van Tongeren Filed Under: All posts, Cities and Environment, Health and Care Posted:
Children and the elderly face a greater risk of negative health effects arising from exposure to air pollution. In this blog, Professor Martie van Tongeren explores the impacts of air pollutant exposure on children’s cognitive performance, working memory and attention control. He highlights policy interventions that can be implemented across schools, local authorities and the […]
By Alice Larkin and Simon Bullock Filed Under: All posts, Energy and Environment, Science and Engineering Posted:
In the run-up to the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow, United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres has strongly criticised the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) for not doing enough to cut carbon emissions from the shipping sector. He said the sector’s current commitments were consistent with global warming above 3 degrees, whereas the Paris Agreement sets […]
By Claire Holland Filed Under: British Politics, Growth and Inclusion, Science and Technology Posted:
Escalating societal and political concerns over climate change have bolstered significant global focus on cutting carbon dioxide emissions. However, in a world still reeling from the effects of a global pandemic, development and implementation of effective resolution strategies are lacking. Profound change is needed to address damaging environmental, social, and economic repercussions of the current […]
By Amy Benstead Filed Under: All posts, Science and Engineering Posted:
The rise of ultra-fast fashion is fuelled by over consumption and increasing demand for cheap new items of clothing. Fashion retailers’ requirements for both speed and low cost production has resulted in low wages, illegal migrant workers and more recently a greater risk of exposure to COVID-19. In this blog, Dr Amy Benstead, Lecturer in […]