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.

Nuclear weapons over wind turbines? UK R&D policies are warped

Weapons of mass destruction get five times as much public research cash in the UK as renewable energy. Time for a rethink, says Dr Stuart Parkinson, SGR

Article in New Scientist, 10 February 2014

 

Fossil fuels: more than we can safely burn

Martin Quick CEng discusses concerns about tar sands and shale gas in relation to the drastic reductions in fossil fuel use shown to be needed in the latest IPCC report.

13 January 2014

 

Environmental cohousing: a contribution to sustainable living

Dr Jan Maskell discusses the potential of environmental cohousing to encourage and support sustainable living. She describes the recently completed Lancaster Cohousing project in the UK as an example of what can be achieved.

Article from SGR Newsletter no.42, autumn 2013; published online: 7 January 2014
 

Top books on science, technology and politics from the last 21 years

Dr Stuart Parkinson picks his choice of the best non-fiction books of recent years to mark SGR’s 21st anniversary.

Article from SGR Newsletter no.42, autumn 2013; published online: 19 December 2013
 

Announcing Scientists for Global Responsibility Newsletter 42

Press release, 4 December 2013

 

From Offensive Insecurity to Sustainable Security: The Role of Science and Technology

Dr Stuart Parkinson, SGR, argues that current funding patterns of R&D in the UK support a militaristic approach to dealing with security problems. He makes the case for a shift in funding to R&D which helps to tackle the roots of conflict, including climate change.

Presentation at SGR conference, London, 16 November 2013, and in Kendal, Cumbria, 30 November 2013

 

SGR signs open letter on nuclear subsidies

Scientists for Global Responsibility has signed an open letter to Joaquin Almunia, EU Commissioner for Competition, arguing that the European Commission should not approve the UK government proposals for funding new nuclear power stations as they are an unjustified subsidy.

28 November 2013
 

UK Energy Policy: Secure, Sustainable, Sane?

Dr Ian Fairlie argues that - from an environmental, social and economic perspective - the priority in UK energy policy should be on energy conservation and renewables, rather than on nuclear power.

Presentation at SGR conference, London, 16 November 2013
 

Conflict and climate change - film

Dr Stuart Parkinson, SGR, appears in a new film produced by the Movement for the Abolition of War.

2 October 2013

 

Arctic ice cap melt: when will we reach the tipping point?

Recent climate research points to grim prospects for the Arctic ice cap. Vanessa Spedding reports on current scientific opinion.

Article from SGR Newsletter no.42, autumn 2013

Advance online publication: 20 August 2013 (update added: 23 September)