Responding to the British Prime Minister’s net zero speech on Wednesday 20 September, Esin Serin highlights the contradictions in the announcements and what the U-turn means for business, consumers and the UK’s net zero pathway. Read more
Commentary
Commentaries present the personal reflections of authors in response to news stories, policy developments or newly published research. These articles may contain original analysis or summarise findings from other referenced sources. Commentaries are written by staff from the Institute as well as by external experts. The opinions expressed in commentaries do not necessarily reflect those of the Grantham Research Institute.
The UK Government has watered down its commitments to net zero, breaking the cross-party consensus on the need for Britain to lead in the global battle against climate change. This commentary argues that now is the time to double down on policy action before it is too late. Read more
G20 leaders recognise the pivotal role the multilateral development banks play in tackling global challenges and supporting sustainable development; now they must more clearly define and carry forward the agenda with urgency and at scale, this commentary argues. Read more
Kamya Choudhary outlines the consequences of over-production and waste from the fast fashion industry and how policymakers and consumers in the UK can help the industry move towards a more sustainable model. Read more
Esin Serin argues that the Government’s approach to CCUS development needs an urgent rethink if the UK is to meet its net zero targets. Read more
A recent article in the journal Nature has led to false allegations that researchers are exaggerating the impacts of climate change. Bob Ward argues that media sources are using this to mislead readers. Read more
In many water-stressed parts of the world there need to be improvements in decision-making around water resources to make climate change adaptation more effective and equitable in policy and practice. This commentary introduces the issues and a new project called BASIN that aims to draw insights from behavioural and psychological sciences to improve decision-making in this area. Read more
Can AI boost current efforts and innovation to move towards a clean energy model? This is the question addressed by recent research aiming to further our understanding of AI’s role in the transition to low-carbon technologies. Marion Dumas discusses the findings. Read more
As London prepares for the expansion next week of the Ultra Low Emission Zone, Bob Ward dispels the myths around this policy, explaining its origins, the thinking behind the expansion and the links between air pollution and health. Read more
The Daily Mail has once again exploited a lack of effective press regulation in the UK in order to promote misinformation about climate change, writes Bob Ward. Read more
