Reports
The problem with biofuels as a response to the Gulf energy supply shock
This report from UK think tank Chatham House examines how biofuels threaten food supplies, forests and what to do about it. Biofuel production is set to expand rapidly over the next four years, as the search for alternatives to Gulf oil supplies gains momentum amid the US–Iran war. Our analysis indicates that an extra 36...
Trust in scientists
This report from UK think tank the Policy Institute examines the role of values and moral and political identities in the UK. Trust in scientists in the UK is strong overall, with 63% indicating they have high trust in scientists in general – but a major new study finds this trust is closely shaped by...
The water footprints of the global minerals trade
This report from UK think tank Chatham House examines why the ‘virtual water’ use hidden in supply chains is critical to sustainability. Water use in the production of minerals represents an underappreciated risk to national resilience in both producer and consumer countries. Unsustainable water practices can cause severe local shortages and environmental impacts, with knock-on...
The water footprints of global textiles trade
This report from UK think tank Chatham House studies the water use of the textile life cycle, from raw materials to manufacturing, use, re-use and eventual disposal. This research paper studies the water use of the entire textile life cycle, from the sourcing of raw materials to manufacturing, use, re-use and eventual disposal. Using trade...
From proximity to inclusion: A new framework for urban green space policy
This report from UK think tank Institute for Policy Research sets out an implementation pathway for inclusive governance. Urban green spaces in UK cities are vital to health and wellbeing and provide multiple benefits across many areas of city life. However, access remains unequal, especially for marginalised communities including people with disabilities, ethnic minorities, the...
China and rare earth supply chains
This report from UK think tank RUSI reveals how China's rare earth supply chain dominance and export controls are reshaping global defence and security industries. This paper reveals how China's rare earth supply chain dominance and export controls are reshaping global defence and security industries, directly affecting the UK and its Allies. China's strategic use...
Making water use in global trade more sustainable
This report from UK think tank Chatham House explores the challenge to improve supply-chain resilience and water security in the context of geopolitical change. Water can be thought of as the ‘forgotten input’ in global trade. Although water is critical to the production and transport of manufactured goods, and to the extraction, processing and transport...
Flex factor: How government can keep network costs on bills down
This report from UK think tank IPPR states that the government must strike a balance between bringing down energy bills and building a system fit for the future. Government must strike a better balance between bringing down energy bills now and building a system fit for the future. Delivering a clean, secure electricity system is...
Environmental sustainability in the NHS
This report from UK think tank The King's Fund examines a new approach to national leadership and accountability. This report argues that environmental sustainability is no longer a peripheral issue for the NHS but a central requirement for its future viability. Climate change is described as the greatest health risk of the 21st century, while...
Green deals in the EU
This report from UK think tank the Institute of Economic Affairs Since the 2008 financial crisis, environmental policy has shifted away from simply managing negative externalities and gradually converged with regular industrial policy. Various ‘green deals’ have been launched around the world with the aim of achieving a combination of economic and environmental development. Economists,...
Apathy and opposition: Understanding the real threats to net zero
This report from UK think tank IPPR examines the threats to climate action. Climate action is under siege from populist and far-right actors. Delivering under that pressure demands fresh confidence and commitment from government. Watering down ambition offers no electoral advantage; a strong, progressive agenda on climate action remains broadly popular with the public. Elite...
How a clean heat transition could be delivered – Exploring the market opportunity for Plymouth’s supply chain
This report from UK think tank Nesta examines how a clean heat transition could be delivered. This draft plan, developed collaboratively by Nesta and Plymouth City Council, outlines a strategic approach to transitioning over 7,500 properties in Stoke ward from fossil fuels to clean, electrified heat. Local authorities often face a delivery gap between strategic...
Adapt or die: Why progressives need to deal with extreme weather
This report from UK think tank IPPR makes the case for why progressives need to deal with extreme weather. The impacts of extreme weather are already directly affecting people and communities across the UK. We lack ways to deal with this. Without a serious rethink, we will lose any reputation for competence and leave an...
Cooking on gas
This report from UK think tank Onward calls for a change in approach that places greater emphasis on affordability and energy security. The report Cooking on Gas argues that a large share of the UK’s high energy prices is the result of policy choices rather than unavoidable market pressures. It highlights how taxes, levies and...
Skills matter in place-based green industrial policy: Lessons from the closure of MG Rover, 2002 – 2005
This report from UK think tank City-REDI explores lessons from the closure of MG Rover 2002 - 2005. In this LPIP Hub report, Ed Atkins examines how the experiences of workers following the closure of MG Rover in Longbridge, Birmingham, offer lessons for green industrial policy today. He shows how proactive, place-based and skills-centred interventions...
Related Events
21 October 2026
Location: Online
Think tank: Green Alliance
What’s behind rising food prices and what can the government do about it?
This event hosted by UK think tank Green Alliance discusses what is driving costs and how the government should respond. An average food shop now costs over 30% more than it did five years ago. Many in the UK are asking what is driving costs and how the government should respond. This webinar will bring...
2 November 2026
Location: Online
Think tank: Green Alliance
100 days of Burnham: what the early signals mean for climate and nature
This event hosted by UK think tank Green Alliance examines the government’s first 100 days, including the latest polling on public attitudes towards the new government. Andy Burnham’s first 100 days as prime minister have brought a new political landscape for the UK’s environmental agenda. With one budget delivered and early signals emerging about the...
5 November 2026
Location: Online
Think tank: Green Alliance
The climate emergency brake: are we acting fast enough on methane?
This event hosted by UK think tank Green Alliance unpacks what the UK’s story will be on methane at COP31. Join Green Alliance and Changing Markets Foundation for this upcoming online event. In November, Prime Minister Andy Burnham will travel to Turkey for the COP31 climate conference. This presents a major opportunity for the UK...
Related Articles
How can cities policy help the net zero agenda?
As COP26 comes to a close what are some of the changes we can make in cities that can help with the net zero agenda? A greater uptake of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) is required By Rebecca Foster (Bright Blue) The UK’s pledge to reach net zero by 2050 will ultimately require significant changes to the way...