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.

Challenging the nuclear future

Philip Webber and Stuart Parkinson summarise the recent developments surrounding nuclear weapons and nuclear power in the UK.

Article from SGR Newsletter no. 32, June 2006

 

From space weapons to basic human needs – technology and the security agenda

Dave Webb, Leeds Metropolitan University, argues that the huge imbalance between the resources available to the military and those devoted to meeting basic human needs urgently has to change. As an illustration of the misdirection of scientific and technological effort, he discusses some of the latest military technologies such as space weapons.

Article from SGR Newsletter no. 32, June 2006
 

Nuclear power: they can’t be serious (Jun 2006)

Mark Whitby argues that energy should be ‘invested’ to maximise its return and that against this imperative, nuclear power does not compare well with renewable energy options.

Article from SGR Newsletter no. 32, June 2006
 

Building confidence in the nuclear age

Alan Cottey, University of East Anglia, recommends a new look at Niels Bohr’s early ideas concerning openness on nuclear issues as a path to international confidence and a new world order.

Article from SGR Newsletter no. 32, June 2006
 

Meeting future UK energy demand: what can renewables offer?

In the light of climate change, dwindling oil and gas supplies, and controversy over nuclear power, Peter Smith, Nottingham University, looks at the scope for expanding the supply of renewable energy in the UK.

Article from SGR Newsletter no. 32, June 2006
 

Managing nanotechnology

Alexis Vlandas, Oxford University, discusses some ways in which nanotechnology might be managed to try to prevent negative environmental, security, health or social impacts.

Article from SGR Newsletter no. 32, June 2006
 

Soldiers in the laboratory: what are the ethical issues?

Presentation to the Café Scientifique in Brighton by Dr Chris Langley, SGR, on 16 May 2006
 

Critical Paths

12 inspiring cases of ethical careers in science and technology

Booklet edited by Stuart Parkinson and Vanessa Spedding; April 2006

12 scientists and engineers tell of their experiences in trying to follow an ethical career. The cases cover a wide range of issues relating to the environment, social justice, the military, and animal welfare.

 

Our Energy Challenge: SGR Response

Response to Our Energy Challenge: DTI Consultation, April 2006
 

Open letter to Tony Blair, regarding opposition to a new generation of nuclear power stations in the UK

Letter sent 10 April 2006, co-ordinated by SGR and signed by 40 science, design and technology professionals - all with expertise in energy and/or climate issues