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The latest on climate change and energy
Four out of five landlords want higher energy efficiency standards, polling shows
Research from the Social Market Foundation suggests there is little support for the government’s backtracking on energy performance upgrades.
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Will Jeremy Hunt’s Autumn Statement really cut planning “red tape”?
The Chancellor has big plans for UK infrastructure, but they may not be enough to clear the planning backlog.
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For-profit schemes can’t drive the transition to net zero
The failure of the last contracts for difference auction showed that market mechanisms alone won’t decarbonise the energy grid.
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Why safe nuclear transport is key to net zero
By prioritising security and safety, we can build a sustainable future.
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Why heat zones can unlock opportunities for Sheffield to decarbonise
Sheffield is expanding its district heating network, providing low-carbon, cost-effective heat to businesses and communities across the city.
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Government short-termism may “jeopardise” net zero, MPs say
A parliamentary report from the Public Accounts Committee has criticised the UK’s lack of direction on green innovation.
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Refurbishing existing office space could support businesses and help the planet
Corporate building owners are opting for redesigns as they grapple with flexible working patterns and new environmental regulations.
The Parliament Brief: Will the UK pay up for climate loss and damage?
The Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho made her first appearance in front of MPs since her appointment to the role…
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Transforming the renewable energy sector
Dogger Bank, powered by SSE, will become the UK's largest wind farm – and power over six million homes.
New oil and gas licences will do “little for energy security and nothing to lower bills”
Energy and environment experts respond to the government’s net zero interventions in the King’s Speech.
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New oil fields are bad news for North Sea workers
Rishi Sunak’s plan to “max out” UK oil and gas is out of sync with the reality of soon-to-peak…
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The Policy Ask with Mike Thornton: “Businesses respond to certainty almost as well as money”
The chief executive of the Energy Saving Trust on retrofitting homes, the cost-of-living crisis and government backtracking over electric…
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Middle East crisis shows why “security” and “resilience” are the new economic buzzwords
What this week’s by-elections, and the Gaza crisis, mean for the new economy.
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Greening the grid
The UK’s energy infrastructure is in desperate need of renewal. Is Labour up to the challenge?
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Heating rural homes and achieving net zero
At a roundtable event, policymakers and experts discussed the challenges faced by rural households as they move towards low-carbon…
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Why decentralising is key to a resilient energy system
The energy transition isn’t just about building more renewables – investors also need to help make the move to…
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Hydrogen can be a UK success story
If we are serious about jobs, investment and UK-powered decarbonisation, then we must back hydrogen.
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To realise the UK’s offshore wind potential, we must strengthen our electricity grid
Embracing renewable energy to meet net-zero targets is reliant on a better connected energy grid with greater capacity.
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Being a green superpower will unlock the UK economy
Changing how we use energy will keep bills down, create jobs, and boost GDP.
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How to actually deliver on our energy commitments
The UK is at a crossroads but luckily, we know the way forward.
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In the journey to net zero, decarbonising heating will be key
Most of the UK’s building stock is connected to the gas network – we need innovative solutions to move…
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The Research Brief: Winter is coming
Your weekly dose of policy thinking.
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Rosebank has exposed contradictions on the centre left
Approval of new North Sea drilling will not be revoked by an opposition still wedded, like Biden, to a…
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Net zero climb-down sacrifices Britain’s climate leadership for short-term gain
The Prime Minister has damaged the UK’s credibility, but local leaders now have the opportunity to show the way.
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Sunak’s net zero U-turn breaks with international opinion
While many of his green colleagues were at Climate Week NYC, the Prime Minister was backtracking on climate policy.
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“Cutting the green crap” is a losing strategy for Rishi Sunak
Weaponising net zero policies is not smart politics for a government facing an uphill battle to retain power.
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How will we reach net zero?
The Uxbridge by-election has exposed how divided Britain still is over how to decarbonise the economy.
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“It’s not that radical”: the planning reform that will unlock net zero
An amendment to the Levelling-up Bill is looking to weld the planning system to the UK’s climate commitments.
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Unite chief: “I’ve seen zilch on Labour’s green prosperity plan”
At this week’s TUC conference, Sharon Graham and other union leaders reflected the split in the left over net…
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Meet the hydro engineer who wants to forge global ties
Hydropower could help Australia and India kick their coal habit.
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The Parliament Brief: The government is lobbying to delay an EV tariff cliff-edge
Post-Brexit, rules-of-origin regulations could hammer the electric car industry and the energy transition.
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Do heat pumps work when it’s cold?
New research dispels myths about this technology, which will be key for reaching net zero.
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António Guterres: “It’s time to mobilise the world’s resources for Africa’s renewables revolution”
At the Africa Climate Summit, 54 nations called for the developed world to meet its $100bn-a-year climate pledge.
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The way to fix our energy pricing system? A national energy guarantee
The Norwich MP and Green New Deal advocate on why energy pricing should reflect the difference between luxury and…
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Could Brics Plus reshape the world economy?
Saudi Arabia and Iran are among six new members to join the alliance.
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The one that got away: what to expect from Claire Coutinho
The former children's minister is now energy secretary. How do childcare insiders rate her?
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Global heating and the future of work
As summer draws to a close, businesses need to consider mitigation strategies for a future in which heatwaves are…
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What has the energy price cap got to do with the climate?
The move to net zero is contributing to rising bills, but should ultimately also help lower them.
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The great energy rip-off is a symptom of our broken economy
The general secretary of Unite on the failure of Labour and the Conservatives to come up with a solution…
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The Research Brief: the free market case against the energy price cap
Your weekly dose of policy thinking.
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We need to talk about China
The Asian powerhouse is often used as an excuse for inaction on net zero. Meanwhile, their push to renewables…
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North Sea licences tell big oil we’re not serious about net zero
The former Conservative minister, and chair of the Climate Change Committee, on why new oil and gas exploration is…
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How to solve the UK’s heat pump problem
Britain has the lowest heat pump installation rate in Europe.
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Will carbon capture help us reach net zero?
The technology should not be used to justify more oil extraction in the North Sea, but experts agree it…
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Is nuclear power the key to reaching net zero?
Despite recent breakthroughs in nuclear fusion, renewables remain the most important technology for reaching net zero.
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22 heat pump myths debunked
This technology, vital for reaching net zero, is misunderstood.
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Abandoning net zero would be a historic mistake
The Uxbridge by-election has triggered a debate on decarbonisation, but the only question should be how we move faster.
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It’s time for local politicians to show climate leadership
Where national parties are failing, mayors, councillors and devolved parliaments must step up.
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For net zero, the UK needs the 2030 ban on petrol cars
We should not let the government’s mixed messaging distract us from progress on electric vehicles.
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Does the world need green growth or degrowth?
We’re already in a period of prolonged stagnation. It’s time to accept new economic – and ecological – realities.
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“We don’t want to run out of water”: tackling the UK’s drought problem
As we face increased flooding and heatwaves, investment in our water infrastructure is urgently needed.
We need a retrofit revolution to win the race to net zero
The UK’s draughty housing stock is a key source of emissions. The government needs a comprehensive plan to rectify…
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How to make energy savings in a cost-of-living crisis – with Honeywell
A special partnered podcast from the New Statesman.
The Policy Ask with James Heath: “The UK has been very slow on decarbonising buildings”
The chief executive of the National Infrastructure Commission on remote working, devolution and the need to accelerate green energy…
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It’s hard to be a “tree-hugger”, but progressive politicians must try
The EU’s Nature Restoration Law could signal the start of a new backlash against environment policy, not the end.
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Even in a bear market, thematic investing can be a green catalyst
Innovative funds are helping sustainable supply chains and systems thrive.
Meet the workers that maintain the UK’s solar power
Ambitious plans to grow the UK’s solar capacity means more jobs in the sector.
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Just stop the need for Just Stop Oil, says climate adviser
A scathing report from the independent Climate Change Committee has condemned government’s slow progress.
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Britain is being left behind in the race for the jobs of the future
The government is ideologically opposed to industrial strategy, but this is essential for fostering green growth.
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Paul Nowak: “I fit every stereotype of a Daily Mail trade unionist”
The TUC general secretary on Labour, taxation, and the false promises of the green economy.
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A drinks industry for net zero
On our journey we've made progress – and learned many lessons.
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The opportunity cost of net zero
Great Britain has one chance to decarbonise the economy – let’s take it.
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To achieve net zero, Labour needs to break with market coordination
Public institutions such as GB Energy and the green National Wealth Fund must lead the green investment push.
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How Britain’s biggest natural battery can help deliver net zero
SSE wants to double the nation’s flexible electricity storage capacity.
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Using AI and robotics to help tackle Britain’s biggest nuclear challenge
New technologies are making decommissioning the Sellafield nuclear site safer, faster and cheaper.
A circular economy isn’t enough – we also need to consume less
Why the Swedish concept of “lagom” could prove key to tackling emissions excess.
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The carbon offsetting system is out of touch with reality
An investigation has found that many of the carbon credits on the market do nothing for the climate at…
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To make carbon offsets work, we have to account for their uncertain impact
Carbon credits face powerful interests and complex science – we must assess the evidence.
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Labour is trying to have it both ways on the climate – will it work?
Labour are signalling they can be ambitious on climate but cautious on the economy. Young climate-conscious voters may need…
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The Policy Ask with Michael Houlihan: “The skills gap is very real, very big and threatens to hold the economy back”
The CEO of the employment charity Generation UK&I on social mobility, empathy and why we need an “aggressive” fossil…
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How trailblazers are using smart meters to make the switch to net zero
Buildings can be retrofitted with technology to adapt them for the climate future.
“We really believe change is possible”: UNEP’s Climate finance chief on why there is still hope
Ivo Mulder believes that the pace of change within climate finance will catch a lot of people by surprise.
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Why plugging the sustainability skills gap is key to ESG
The new Sustainability Academy makes Microsoft’s environmental expertise available to all.
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Towards a new, green economy
How innovation and investment in communities can help build a net zero future.
Energy and Climate Change: Financing the transition
Expert comment and analysis from Sadiq Khan, Eric Adams, Ed Miliband MP and Helen Clarkson.
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We all want climate budgets – who is ready?
Cities aspire to take emissions management to the balance sheet.
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How software will make or break sustainability
In the next five years, AI and other tech will turbocharge the move to net zero.
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Sustainable finance can save us from the energy crisis – with the Luxembourg Stock Exchange
A special podcast from Spotlight, the New Statesman’s policy supplement.
Meet the oil and gas worker hoping for a just transition
We are not going to become the coal miners of net zero, says Cliff Bowen.
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Can Clean Air Zones fix the UK’s air pollution problem?
The controversial initiative has come under fire from local leaders.
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The Policy Ask with Chris Stark: “The government has undermined its climate message by giving the green light to new coal mines”
The CEO of the Climate Change Committee on public speaking, planning reform, and Gordon Brown.
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Net zero jobs growth “not guaranteed”, says Climate Change Committee
The UK may be missing opportunities for green jobs, warns a new report by the independent body.
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The net zero asset managers “doubling down” on oil and gas
Despite the risks, some of the world’s largest asset managers are increasing their support for the fossil fuel industry,…
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The Policy Ask with Helen Clarkson: “I’ve learnt the value of a proper apology”
The CEO of the Climate Group on working for Doctors Without Borders, the importance of listening, and the UK’s…
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How smart meters helped a business thrive
The Syrup Room used smart meter technology to control their rising energy bills.
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The case for sustainable thematic investing
A new approach for investors can complement ESG frameworks.
Cries of a “war on cars” have failed to move voters
The local election results suggest cities can safely stick to their plans to lower traffic and emissions.
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Why “franken-chicken” shouldn’t be on the menu for the coronation
A court case has demanded an end to the breeding of fast-growing chickens – and the damage it causes…
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How innovation and green tech will transform Africa
Ahead of Cop28 in the UAE, the Annual Investment Meting will bring together investors and governments to understand the…
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The Policy Ask with Adam Scorer: “The UK still seems allergic to learning from other governments”
The chief executive of National Energy Action on the cost-of-living crisis and the UK’s failing benefits system.
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How to make your business indispensable in the green economy
Microsoft is empowering companies with the tools it has developed on its own sustainability journey.
New guidelines on enforced prepayment meters fail to protect the most vulnerable
It’s disgusting that the government is allowing companies to continue this unscrupulous practice.
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Why it matters that XR’s “Big One” has trade union support
A shared sense of injustice across the climate and labour movements is re-galvanising issue-based politics.
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Using my faith to tackle the climate crisis
Stewardship and conservation are at the heart of Islam and other religions.
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Why G7 climate leadership is on the line in Japan
Fossil fuel use could decline as soon as next year, but G7 proposals risk slowing the green transition.
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How smart meters can boost Britain’s energy resilience
Energy use can be better managed with the right technologies.
Most companies struggle to track their carbon emissions. Here’s what they can do about it
Many corporations still use spreadsheets to track their carbon footprint, making it difficult to abide by science-backed emissions targets.
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More than £2bn of government funding for retrofitting homes remains unspent
A third of the money devoted to decarbonising housing and public sector buildings has not materialised.
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Musidora Jorgensen: Sustainability is good for business
Microsoft’s chief sustainability officer, UK, on how the tech giant has made the green transition an integral part of…
From an African perspective, Grant Shapps’s energy policy makes no sense
The UK once led the world in climate action, but now it is following others – and reluctantly at…
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