Climate change and energy

SGR produces a range of outputs on the issue of 'Climate change and energy'. This covers climate change science, technological and policy responses to climate change, energy supply technologies (especially renewable energy and nuclear power), energy use and energy efficiency (including in transport and buildings), and related policy and lifestyle issues.

Hydrogen moecules on blue background

Hydrogen gives the blues

Prof Kevin Anderson, University of Manchester, and researcher Simon Oldridge argue that the UK government’s hydrogen energy plan isn’t green at all: it’s an oil industry swindle designed to continue pollution-as-usual.

24 April 2024
 

Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant

Nuclear power in Ukraine: what would happen if Zaporizhzhia was hit?

The Zaporizhzhia region in Ukraine houses the largest nuclear power station in Europe. It is currently in an intensely fought war zone. Dr Philip Webber, SGR, explains some of the risks of radiation releases that this poses, both nationally and internationally.

17 April 2024 (updated)

Photo by Eduardo Enrietti

Why is behaviour change a better bet than techno-optimism?

Prof Lorraine Whitmarsh, Bath University, argues that when it comes to tackling climate breakdown, changing the behaviour of the world’s high consumers guarantees better results than just trusting to technology.

21 March 2024
 

Photo by Tengyart [Unsplash]

War, climate breakdown, and economic injustice: tackling the triple crisis

Prof Paul Rogers, University of Bradford, examines the interlinkages between the world’s major crises, and outlines some ways forward.

21 February 2024

Picture of a sports utility vehicle

After Paris’s coup against SUVs, the UK should slam the brakes on these polluting monsters too

Andrew Simms, SGR, argues that the vote by Parisians to triple parking charges for SUVs should be the start of a much wider crackdown.

14 February 2024

Electricity pylons at sunset

Nuclear power and net zero: Too little, too late, too expensive

Prof Steve Thomas, Greenwich University, assesses the considerable obstacles to the UK government’s target for new nuclear power.

9 February 2024 (updated)

Antarctic ice sheet

The point of no return: how close is the world to irreversible climate change?

Prof Bill McGuire, University College London, summarises the disturbing evidence on tipping points in the climate system.

7 December 2023

Electric car image by Mike's Photography via Pixabay

Vehicle emissions: electric cars are not enough

Alasdair Beal argues for broader and stronger action in the transport sector to tackle climate change and air pollution.

22 November 2023

Scorched_desert

Climate, war and nuclear weapons

Dr Stuart Parkinson, SGR, summarises the ways in which militaries and nuclear weapons can contribute to catastrophic climate change.

17 November 2023

 

 

coal

Alternatives to the Cumbrian coal mine

In light of plans for a new coal mine in Cumbria, Dr Stuart Parkinson, SGR, discusses alternatives to the coal industry, especially options for decarbonisation of the steel sector and local green jobs.

26 October 2023