Issues: Climate change and energy

Prof Lorraine Whitmarsh, Cardiff University, argues that to encourage the radical behaviour change needed to tackle the climate crisis, we need a range of well-timed interventions. She also notes that climate scientists need to 'walk the talk' too.

29 November 2019

Prof Kevin Anderson, Manchester University, argues that to meet the Paris climate targets we need to put equity at the heart of plans to rapidly reduce carbon emissions.

26 November 2019

Prof Bill McGuire, University College London, argues that mainstream climate science reports downplay the scale of the threats, especially from sea-level rise, extreme heat, shutdown of the Gulf Stream, and increased seismic activity.

19 November 2019

A new poll of scientists reveals a gap between awareness of international climate goals and lifestyles, writes Andrew Simms, SGR, but there are signs of radical shifts.

16 November 2019

Dr Stuart Parkinson, SGR, looks at how the fossil fuel and arms industries finance professional engineering and science organisations - and the many issues this raises - in this summary of the new report, Irresponsible Science?

6 October 2019

It can seem odd that a refusal to act is a good way to motivate action, writes Andrew Simms, SGR. But striking has been a tool of change for most of recorded history and for good reasons.

17 September 2019

As the world marks the 50th anniversary of the first Moon landing, Dr Stuart Parkinson, SGR, argues that human space-flight is highly polluting, very expensive and has contributed to international arms races.

20 July 2019

Dr Stuart Parkinson, SGR, summarises the latest data on the large but neglected carbon emissions of military activities, and argues that they need to be rapidly reduced.

29 June 2019

Just when it looked like UK coal might be phased out, a company in Cumbria is trying to give it a long-term future – undermining urgent efforts to tackle climate disruption. Dr Stuart Parkinson, SGR, argues for a halt to the proposed project.

17 March 2019

Dr Stuart Parkinson, SGR, examines how society uses and misuses science and technology - and highlights ways in which we can reshape our relationship with these powerful forces to help bring about a more secure and sustainable society.

Bristol Peace Lecture, 9 March 2019