Severe floods have devastated millions of households in the central region of Vietnam over the past month. As expected, this has triggered investigations into how much of this disaster can be attributed to climate change. IF researcher Melissa Bui explains why these types of studies are not necessarily having the effect we might hope for
Category: Environment
A green recovery requires transparency – from governments as well as businesses
Recent pledges by Chancellor Rishi Sunak suggest a solid and welcome commitment to the transition to a green economy, post-COVID-19. But IF researcher Melissa Bui says there is reason to treat such pronounced good intentions with caution
Environment in the media: not always following the science
Media coverage of environmental issues – such as plastic and climate change – has helped to trigger global environmental movements over the years. Although we have a lot of reasons to be grateful that these issues have become particularly newsworthy, what happens when the key environmental priorities reported in the media do not align with… Read more »
Book Review: #futuregen
When Jane Davidson was Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing in Wales from 2007 to 2011 she became a leading architect of the groundbreaking Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act (2015). In her new book, #Futuregen: Lessons from a Small Country, she tells the story and relays her vision. Our reviewer, IF Research Intern Hugo… Read more »
The climate emergency has not gone away
There’s a burning need to address the threat of climate change, and the COVID-19 crisis may offer a window of opportunity. IF Research Intern Ellie Maher looks at the Climate and Ecological Emergency (CEE) Bill currently going through parliament and assesses if and how it can make a difference
Plastic waste: exporting intergenerational unfairness
IF researcher Melissa Bui describes how, by sending our plastic waste abroad, we are effectively exporting intergenerational unfairness to other countries whilst also driving up rates of plastic consumption
A new approach to setting carbon prices
Researchers at the SIPA Center on Global Energy Policy released a study this week outlining a new approach for setting carbon prices. They claim their model permits countries to price carbon in a way that allows them to meet their net-zero targets. IF researcher Melissa Bui explains
Antarctica: a wilderness too close to home
Antarctica is often thought of as an unblemished wilderness – but humans no longer need a physical presence to impair the natural environment. IF Research Intern Anthony J. Piwowarski explores the global consequences of a melting Antarctic ice sheet – and how some states may seek to profit from the climate’s instability.
The unexpected impact of COVID-19 on green investment
Green investment has reached record levels this year, in spite of the pandemic. IF researcher Melissa Bui explains why investor-demand for more transparency on climate risks is rising, and how pension schemes may lead the way in fulfilling investors’ requirements
Siberia Burns: the politics of heat
The recent heat wave in Siberia poses a serious threat to Russian infrastructure – and to the planet. IF Research Intern Anthony J. Piwowarski shows how successive Russian governments have pursued a politics of ecological ruin. Even now, the current administration remains ambivalent towards its environmental obligations.