Issues

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.

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

Trident submarine

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