Responsible Science

We currently focus on four main issues: disarmament and security, climate change and energy, questions of who controls science and technology and issues surrounding new and emerging technologies. You will also see that we work on some other issues too. You can explore these with the menu on the left of this page and with the search function. Material in this section includes all SGR's main outputs since 2005, with a selection of the more important material from before then.

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

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

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

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

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

UK nuclear weapons: from Vanguard to Dreadnought

Dr Philip Webber, SGR, summarises the latest situation with the UK's nuclear weapons programme, including technical problems, rising costs, and the heightened risks from nuclear confrontation.

27 February 2025

Responsible AI: are governments and corporations giving up?

Dr Philip Inglesant, SGR, warns that the recent upsurge in enthusiasm for Artificial Intelligence (AI) downplays the increasing dangers which are arising due to the erosion of safeguards.

13 February 2025

Gaza: how the West’s weapons are fuelling a catastrophe

Dr Philip Webber, SGR, updates earlier analysis of the considerable humanitarian impacts of the war in Gaza, including probable genocide. In particular, he summarises the role of the arms industries in the USA, UK, and elsewhere.

12 February 2025 (updated)

Issues