Expert insight, analysis and comment on key public policy issues
Water demand and drought: how can we reduce demand to address multiple socio-environmental crises? Droughts are becoming more severe across the UK and Europe, not least as a result of climate change, and there are renewed debates about sustainability and continuation of water supplies. How people use water in their homes has consequences for water […]
By Claudia Henninger Filed Under: All posts, Energy and Environment, Science and Technology Posted:
Do sustainability and fashion go hand in hand? Sustainable fashion and engaging with it, is a complex process – and there is no ‘one fits all’ solution – it requires a collaborative approach from business, consumers and policymakers. In this blog, Dr Claudia E Henninger examines the relationship between fashion and sustainability, and highlights opportunities […]
By Mike Barnes Filed Under: All posts, Energy and Environment, Science and Engineering, Science and Technology Posted:
The drive to achieve Net Zero is underpinned by the principle that as a society we should ensure that we leave this planet better off, and indeed make it better for the next generation. Smart electrification is a key part of this. This is the combination of technology and human behaviour; it means electricity can’t […]
By Jonatan Pinkse Filed Under: All posts, Energy and Environment, Renewables Posted:
Scaling up green electricity is key to achieving net zero. While the government has made progress in supporting solar PV and offshore wind, technologies alone will not make for a successful transition to net zero. To be successful in the market, technologies need an attractive business model. In this blog, Professor Jonatan Pinkse discusses how […]
By Ian Plewis Filed Under: Energy and Environment, Science and Engineering, Science and Technology Posted:
While much of the global discussion on climate change focusses on cutting CO2 emissions, methane is around 25 times more potent as a greenhouse gas in trapping heat in the Earth’s atmosphere. At COP26, the UK Government committed to reducing methane emissions by 30%. In this blog, Emeritus Professor Ian Plewis lays out the scale […]
By Francis Livens Filed Under: Energy and Environment, Science and Engineering, Science and Technology Posted:
The government has today announced plans to build eight new nuclear reactors in the UK, alongside strategies to boost wind, hydrogen, and solar production. These new reactors are intended to improve the UK’s energy self-sufficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as well as creating thousands of new jobs. In this blog, Professor Francis Livens of […]
By Ian Mell Filed Under: All posts, Energy and Environment, Urban Posted:
Green infrastructure provides multi-functional benefits to society in terms of health and wellbeing, biodiversity protection, climate change mitigation and economic growth. In this blog, Dr Ian Mell outlines policy recommendations to effectively integrate green infrastructure in urban areas to create greener, more resilient and meaningful places. Considerations of access to green or blue spaces […]
By Michael Fisher Filed Under: Digital Futures, Energy and Environment, Renewables, Science and Engineering, Science and Technology Posted:
Net zero now forms the heart of policies and strategies across government, from “levelling up” to “build back better”. Combined with the UK’s National Infrastructure Strategy, it is clear that engineering – particularly new technologies such as robotics and AI – has a core role in our decarbonisation efforts. But how green are the technologies […]
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 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, […]