Issues: Climate change and energy

Presentation by Dr Gareth Dale, School of Social Sciences, Brunel University at the SGR conference, 24 October 2009
 

The detrimental effects of commercial influence on science and technology

SGR report by Chris Langley and Stuart Parkinson; October 2009

It is no secret that links between the commercial sectors and science and technology are increasing. Many policy-makers, business leaders and members of the science community argue that this is positive for both science and society. But there is growing evidence that the science commercialisation agenda brings with it a wide range of detrimental effects, including bias, conflicts of interest, a narrowing of the research agenda, and misrepresentation of research results. This report takes an in-depth look at the evidence for these effects across five sectors: pharmaceuticals; tobacco; military/defence; oil and gas; and biotechnology. Its findings make disturbing reading for all concerned about the positive role of science and technology in our society.
 

Nick Reeves, Alasdair Beal and Stuart Parkinson outline contrasting positions on the issue of low-carbon energy in the UK. In the first article, Reeves questions whether ministers can be trusted on the environment if they say that nuclear power and coal are a major part of the answer to Britain's energy needs. In the second, Beal questions whether it will be straightforward to avoid building new coal-fired power stations. In the third article, Parkinson discusses some recent UK energy modelling studies which demonstrate the possible low carbon, non-nuclear scenarios.

Three articles from SGR Newsletter no. 37; spring 2009

Presentation by Stuart Parkinson, SGR, at the AGM of the Movement for the Abolition of War.

9 November 2008
 

Submission to government consultation on UK Renewable Energy Strategy, September 2008
 

Stuart Parkinson examines the UK’s record on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, arguing that official figures hide a lack of progress and highlighting the key reforms that need to be made.

Article from SGR Newsletter no. 36, autumn 2008
 

Rachel Western argues that the nuclear industry and the UK government are not properly considering the scientific evidence in their rush to ‘solve’ the problem of radioactive waste.

Article from SGR Newsletter no. 36, autumn 2008
 

Dave Andrews and Martin Quick give two perspectives on the potential for expanding the deployment of variable or intermittent renewable energy in the UK. In the first article, Andrews argues that the disadvantages of these types of technologies are much less than detractors claim while, in the second article, Quick outlines some innovative ways of expanding their deployment.

Two articles from SGR Newsletter no.36, autumn 2008
 

Kate Macintosh MBE outlines the environmental standards for new housing in the UK and argues that the bigger problems related to the quality of the existing housing stock are being neglected.

Article from SGR Newsletter 36, autumn 2008
 

Presentation given by Stuart Parkinson, SGR, at the Climate Forum, London; June 2008