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Opinion
Fast fashion and the climate challenge
Cheap, quick, and convenient, fast fashion has grown in popularity in recent years and contributed to the creation of an over-consumption culture when it comes to clothing. This may have a negative effect on wardrobe space, but the proliferation of fast fashion has had a much more harmful impact on the environment. Not only is the textile industry one of the highest polluting sectors, but it also uses a vast amount of water, adds microplastics to the ocean, and has produced a mountain of clothing waste that is either incinerated or ends up in landfill. But does the increase in consumer awareness and sustainable innovation mean there could be a more considerate way forward for the clothing industry?
Green manufacturing: Saving our planet while boosting business
As one of the sectors with the highest emissions and greatest impact on our everyday lives, manufacturing has an important role to play in the fight against climate change. The good news is that the green manufacturing movement has been gaining momentum in recent years, not only doing good for the planet but also providing economic benefits to businesses. There are several routes that firms can follow to make their operations more sustainable, from embracing renewables and finding ways to make energy more efficient to saving on governmental taxes and pursuing circularity.
Electrification’s pivotal role in the energy transition: Addressing supply chain hurdles for a greener future
While electrification is essential to facilitating a successful energy transition, blockages in the supply chain are at risk of derailing the race to net-zero when it matters most. As the demand for electricity grows, several issues have come to light, ranging from labour shortages and a scarcity of raw materials to restrictive policies that extend development times and leave projects stuck in limbo. If solutions are to be found in time, a collaborative and concerted approach is non-negotiable.
Nuclear in the UK – what is the endgame?
With experts in agreement that low-carbon sources must play a role in the energy transition, nuclear power has re-entered the conversation. A cost-effective, efficient, and reliable option, nuclear has many potential benefits, but is it a case of too little too late for the UK? The sector has been in steady decline since the 1970s, with successive governments failing to follow through on commitments to invest in and build new plants. However, innovations like Small Modular Reactors could offer a new way forward.
Onshore wind is back in the UK
In its first six weeks, the new Labour government has already demonstrated its commitment to championing the energy transition by reversing the de-facto ban on onshore wind that has been in place since 2015. The announcement has been met with positive feedback from environmental groups and renewables developers are already making moves to start building new sites across the UK. However, with an ambitious target to double the UK’s onshore wind capacity by 2030, is the government at risk of trying to move too quickly and setting unfeasible goals?
Exploring the new frontier of renewables beyond solar and wind
Solar and wind power have emerged as frontrunners in the energy transition for good reason, but relying on just two fossil fuel alternatives comes with risks. If the goal of achieving net-zero by 2050 is to be met, diversification will be essential. Not only will looking beyond solar and wind help to improve energy security, mitigate the environmental impact of renewables and offset any fluctuations in capacity, but it could also inspire investment and realise the myriad economic benefits that the energy transition has to offer.
Labour’s GB Energy: what is it and can it work?
With the new Labour government installed in Westminster, it can now get to work implementing the ambitious climate and energy pledges outlined in its manifesto. Keir Starmer’s government plans to make Britain a clean energy superpower, driven in large part by the launch of a new publicly owned energy company, GB Energy. However, with a series of initiatives aiming to benefit both the economy and the environment simultaneously, the question remains: are Labour’s plans a pipe dream or a genuine solution to climate change?
Decarbonising the grid by 2035 – two years on from the announcement, is it realistic?
Decarbonising the grid is a key component of the UK’s commitment to achieving net-zero by 2050. In June 2021, the government set an ambitious target of 2035, but with no clear strategy, a lack of investment, and slow growth in both the production and storage of renewable energy sources, many experts are concerned that this is an increasingly unrealistic goal. Two years on from the announcement, is this target already beyond reach?
The state of play with hydrogen
In the search for alternative fuel sources that can decarbonise every sector of society, hydrogen offers a potential solution that could revolutionise manufacturing and domestic settings alike. It all comes down to the way it’s processed; some methods emit a substantial amount of carbon, while others offer net-zero – at a price.
Futureproofing agriculture: How renewable energy offers a sustainable lifeline for farmers
With the effects of climate change and global economic conditions impacting farmers in the UK and worldwide, there is an urgent need to futureproof the agriculture sector and explore new income opportunities. Transitioning to renewable energy, and playing an active role in its production, could represent a sustainable, profitable solution.
Is plastics recycling a realistic solution to the plastics crisis, or is it another smoke screen from the oil sector?
With persuasive arguments on both sides of the fence, the role plastics recycling must play in solving the plastics crisis is subject to heated debate. But is there a definitive answer? Approaching the topic by exploring its nuances can help us start to identify a way forward that acknowledges the ubiquitous nature of plastics without minimising their negative environmental impact.
Infrastructure dilemmas in high-emitting sectors: Perspectives on transportation, energy, and industry
Achieving net zero is reliant on significant headway in several key industries. Here, I deep dive into three of the highest emitting industries to explore the challenges and opportunities in scaling up clean energy infrastructure as the world strives to make progress in line with the Paris Agreement.