sustainability

Is the shipping sector on a collision course on climate?

By Alice Larkin and Simon Bullock Filed Under: All posts, Energy and Environment, Science and Engineering Posted: November 1, 2021

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 […]

North West England: developing a regional roadmap for industrial bio-revolution

By Claire Holland Filed Under: British Politics, Growth and Inclusion, Science and Technology Posted: October 25, 2021

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 […]

Exploitation in the UK fashion industry: How Government and Industry can work together to fix fashion.

By Amy Benstead Filed Under: All posts, Science and Engineering Posted: October 18, 2021

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 […]

Decarbonising transport: Inequality, joined-up action, and the risk of technological optimism

By Cristina Temenos and Joe Blakey Filed Under: All posts, Cities and Environment, Energy and Environment, Renewables, Science and Engineering, Science and Technology Posted: August 5, 2021

The Department for Transport (DfT) recently released their long-awaited Decarbonising Transport plan. In this blog, Dr Cristina Temenos and Dr Joe Blakey outline how its technologically-optimistic vision risks locking in high-carbon futures, overlooking transport inequalities, and opportunities for joined-up thinking and the precautionary principle. DfT’s Decarbonising Transport Plan makes some welcome proposals, but it is […]

New business models cutting back on single-use plastic: lessons for a zero waste circular economy

By Mariel Vilella Filed Under: All posts, British Politics, Energy and Environment, Growth and Inclusion Posted: July 28, 2021

As the host for the COP26 this November, the UK is in the spotlight when it comes to reducing emissions. Plastic production and consumption is an important contributor to climate change, business models that are cutting back on single-use plastic offer important lessons, and inspiration, to drive an agenda that moves towards a circular economy. […]

Building a sustainable wildlife trade sector to avoid future pandemics

By Charis Enns Filed Under: All posts, Energy and Environment, Health and Social Care Posted: July 6, 2021

Since early reports linked the emergence of COVID-19 to the wild meat trade, the pandemic has thrown the wildlife trade into the global spotlight for its role in spreading zoonotic disease pathogens. This has motivated calls to ban wildlife trade, among other proposals to strengthen regulation and control over the trade in wildlife and their […]

Decarbonising heating: flying by the heat of our pants?

By Laurence Stamford Filed Under: Cities and Environment, Energy and Environment, Renewables, Science and Engineering, Science and Technology Posted: April 26, 2021

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 […]

Why the success of a green recovery requires engaging with – and learning from – minority communities

By Sherilyn MacGregor and Nafhesa Ali Filed Under: All posts, Ethnicity, Inclusive Growth, Urban Posted: April 21, 2021

Although the UK has world-leading net zero targets, simply setting the target is not enough. Achieving it requires the participation of all sectors of society. However, racialized minority communities are underrepresented in mainstream approaches to achieving environmental sustainability. To redress this marginalization, Dr Sherilyn MacGregor and Dr Nafhesa Ali from the Sustainable Consumption Institute explain […]

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

By Mike Shaver Filed Under: All posts, Cities and Environment, Energy and Environment, Renewables, Science and Engineering, Science and Technology Posted: March 18, 2021

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 […]

The hydrogen economy: why is the sub-surface essential?

By Kevin Taylor Filed Under: All posts, Energy and Environment, Science and Engineering, Science and Technology Posted: February 18, 2021

The UK Government has made a commitment to deliver a hydrogen economy as a means to decarbonise heating and heavy transport. This was most recently highlighted in the Government’s “Ten-point plan for a green industrial revolution” and the recent Energy White Paper “Powering our net zero future”. In this blog, Professor Kevin Taylor, from the […]