Issues: Climate change and energy

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.

World Cup report cover

2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup to be most polluting ever

New research from SGR and collaborators finds that the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup Finals are set to be the most polluting World Cup ever, with extreme heat risks to players and fans raising urgent safety concerns. 

9 July 2025

 

Graph showing linear decline in emissions

The UK’s fair carbon budget will run out in 2027: here’s the evidence

Dr Ian Campbell shows how, on current trends, Britain’s carbon emissions will, within two years, exceed its fair share of the estimated global total that will breach the 1.5°C Paris target. He outlines the key implications for policy-makers and society as a whole.

8 July 2025

Fighter + flames

Military spending and military emissions: the hidden links

Hannah Huibregtsen, Leiden University, highlights the problems of under-reporting of military greenhouse gas emissions, as huge military spending targets are being agreed. 

24 June 2025
 

Photo of gleaming new cars

How can we defuse the carbon bomb of overconsumption?

Dr Veronica Wignall, Adfree Cities, exposes the role of advertising in increasing the explosive power of overconsumption and argues that it is time to stop promoting overconsumption.

16 June 2025 
 

Playing with the Planet cover

Large rise in European football's GHG emissions

A new report co-published by SGR shows that the recent expansion of European club football competitions is leading to a large jump in associated GHG emissions. The research also shows that the competitions' sponsorship deals with high-carbon companies are responsible for even more emissions. 

29 May 2025

Solar panels and wind turbine in snow

The best technologies for effective climate action

Prof Mark Z Jacobson, Stanford University, gives a whirlwind, sun and water tour of the key renewable energy technologies needed to rapidly reduce pollution, and their major social and economic benefits.

7 May 2025 

 

Panel of speakers on stage at UCL event

Are international climate negotiations fit for purpose?

Andrew Simms, SGR, was one of the speakers in a university-hosted panel discussion around the importance (or not) of international climate negotiations in the past, present and future. Available on YouTube.

17 April 2025

Photo of a whale's tail with backdrop of mountains

Whales and international climate change law

Michaela Girvan proposes new ways to protect cetaceans under international environmental law due to their role in helping to tackle climate change.

24 March 2025

Gianluca Grimalda travelling by cargo ship

An act of conscientious objection for the climate

Dr Gianluca Grimalda reflects on his legal victory, achieved following the termination of his academic contract when he refused to fly.

6 March 2025

Football report cover

How big is the carbon footprint of football?

Dr Stuart Parkinson and Andrew Simms summarise SGR’s new research on the greenhouse gas emissions of the global football sector, and explore whether reducing the carbon footprint of football can help accelerate wider climate action.

3 February 2025