Brendan Curran
Brendan is a senior policy fellow working on sustainable finance policy with a particular focus on just transition and place-based climate investment.
Background
Prior to joining the Grantham Institute, Brendan spent several years working on sustainable finance policy within the UK Government. Firstly, as a policy adviser on social investment within the Government Inclusive Economy Unit and more recently working with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) on green finance policy and the publication of the Net Zero Strategy. During this time, he also had a secondment at the Green Finance Institute. Prior to working in policy, Brendan spent 5 years working for Lloyds Bank across several roles. He has a BSc in economics and politics from the University of Bristol and an MSc in economics from the University of Amsterdam.
Research interests
- Harnessing private finance to deliver a just transition
- Public finance institutions and interventions to deliver net zero and a just transition
- Financial regulation aimed at a sustainable financial system
- Place-based climate investment
- Policy frameworks to deliver a just transition
Policy
Policy - 2024
This report marks the launch of the Just Transition Finance Lab by the Grantham Research Institute, outlining the urgency of the just transition, obstacles to progress and how the Lab will address these through four priority work areas in 2024. Read more
Policy - 2023
This report was commissioned by Innovate UK as part of a wider project into unlocking investment into local net zero... Read more
To deliver a just transition, significant investment needs to be mobilised. Global debt markets could be a vital source of this finance, in particular green, social, sustainable and sustainability-linked (GSS+) bonds. This report considers how GSS+ bonds could be used to finance a just transition. Read more
This brief provides recommendations to businesses on how to implement a just transition and monitor progress. Read more
This report consists of a response to a call for inputs on ‘Investors, ESG and Human Rights’ by the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights. It focuses on the climate change-related human rights responsibilities of investors. Read more
This submission aims to support the work of the UNFCCC Just Transition Work Programme by providing recommendations on its necessary priorities and objectives. Read more
This report examines social risks and opportunities for stakeholders affected by environmental transitions in UK food and agriculture and makes recommendations to financial institutions for how they can support a just transition in the sector. Read more
This policy paper aims to provide a workable and realistic pathway for Northern Ireland to hit its ambitious net zero targets. Read more
This report takes stock of local climate action in the UK as of early 2023 and summarises the experience of the Place-based Climate Action Network (PCAN) over the last five years, through analysis, reflections, survey evidence and case studies, providing recommendations to a range of stakeholders. Read more
The consultation response urges the Transition Plan Taskforce (TPT) to make an explicit acknowledgement of the importance of supporting the just transition to net zero and provide guidance for those preparing Transition Plans. Read more
This report contains results of the second phase of the India Just Transition Finance Roadmap project. Read more
Policy - 2022
This tool describes the concept of a Just Transition and makes the business case for financial institutions to partner with stakeholders and peers to support a just climate transition. Read more
Response to the call for evidence made as part of the Independent Review of Net Zero commissioned by the UK's Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. Read more
This report provides guidance to financial Institutions on how they can incorporate the social dimension of climate action – the just transition – into their net zero transition plans. Read more
This paper highlights how an innovative public-private programme that focuses on Northern Ireland's housing stock can help to fund an equitable low-carbon economy, through the use of a 'Just Transition Bond'. Read more
This report examines how-well placed the UK is to make the required investments for a successful net-zero transition, and the wider economic impact those investments might have. Read more
A submission to the UK Treasury's consultation on the 'Proposals for Reform' under its Financial Regulation Framework Review. Read more
News
News - 2024
This article considers how the steel industry can manage the transition to net zero. The article includes quotes from Sangeeth... Read more
News - 2023
This article considers a new report by the International Energy Agency on the future of fossil fuels which has been published ahead of the COP28 climate summit. The article includes a quote from Brendan Curran who says the fossil fuel industry isn't doing enough to invest in the net zero transition. Read more
Ahead of the Autumn Statement, Anna Valero, Esin Serin and Brendan Curran argue that effective measures to promote greener growth will be essential to ensuring that the UK does not fall behind other countries when it comes to incentivising investment that is good for society and the environment as well as the economy. Read more
In this commentary, Brendan Curran argues that by changing course to a robust green industrial strategy, the UK Government could protect vulnerable groups in society and take advantage of the economic opportunities a just green transition offers. Read more
The Grantham Research Institute at the London School of Economics and Climate Bonds Initiative have partnered to assess the needs... Read more
Article covers trade unions support of Extinction Rebellion’s multi-day climate protest, known as the “Big One. Brendan Curran and Nick... Read more
In this commentary article for ESG Investor Brendan Curran discusses the UK’s Transition Plan Taskforce. ESG Investor, 24 March 2023 Read more
In this article Brendan Curran argues that the UK government’s support package for Tata Steel and British Steel must come... Read more
Brendan Curran argues that public investment in the UK steel sector would be a step in the right direction for green jobs, but greater ambition is needed to meet the challenges ahead and to achieve a just transition. Read more
The article in the FT focuses on how Nest and Cushon are looking to put funds into trees as a... Read more
News - 2022
This article considers what progress was made on a range of issues at the COP27 climate summit in Egypt. The article includes comments by Brendan Currnan in relation to the issue of blended finance. Read more
This article reports on a new study by the Resolution Foundation and the London School of Economics (LSE) which considers the potential for green investment in the UK. Read more
What role can and should financial regulation play in tackling climate change? The answer should guide the remoulding of regulatory... Read more