Can Chris Stark be the Gareth Southgate of UK Climate Tech?

Guests:

• Adam Bell, Director of Policy at Stonehaven
• Megan Kenyon, Policy Correspondent at The New Statesman
• Sugandha Srivastav, British Academy Fellow and Lecturer in Environmental Economics at the Smith School, Oxford University
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One week after Labour’s sweeping victory, we ask three of the smartest observers of UK climate and climate tech policy about early moves like the hiring of Chris Stark, the removal of the offshore wind ban, and picking a fight with NIMBYs - some of whom may turn out to be people who otherwise argue for faster climate action in the Greens and Lib Dems. Can they keep up the pace?

UK's New Climate Policies:

• Adam Bell discusses the recent swift actions by the new UK government, such as lifting the ban on onshore wind. He highlights the necessity of equitable climate policies to avoid creating "low carbon haves and have-nots" and the potential for backlash if climate benefits are not widely shared​

Challenges and Strategies in Climate Communication:

• Adam Bell emphasizes the importance of innovative communication strategies to garner local support for climate projects. He suggests that community-specific benefits, such as cash payments or co-ownership, might be necessary to gain broader acceptance of renewable infrastructure projects like pylons and wind turbines​(Meeting with Richard De…)​.

Policy Insights and Green Economy Reporting:

• Megan Kenyon shares insights from her reporting on the green economy, including the rapid policy shifts following the UK election. She mentions the importance of engaging the community in the planning and implementation of climate projects to ensure their success and sustainability​

Global Climate Action and Economic Implications:

• Sugandha Srivastav discusses the broader global context, focusing on emerging markets like India and their significant impact on global emissions.

Innovative Approaches to Climate Policy:

• Sugandha highlights the importance of using the latest and most efficient technologies in the energy transition and the economic advantages of renewable energy over fossil fuels. She underscores the need for public investment in areas that provide significant societal benefits, drawing parallels with the rapid development of the COVID-19 vaccine​

Resources Mentioned:

• Adam Bell's Upcoming Paper: Adam mentions an upcoming paper that outlines strategies for achieving the UK's 2030 climate goals. Keep an eye out for this report for detailed policy recommendations​ at Stonehaven
• Megan Kenyon's Green Economy Reporting: Subscribe to The New Statesman's "Green Transition" newsletter for in-depth analysis and updates on the green economy.
• Sugandha Srivastav's Work on Renewable Energy: Check out Sugandha's TEDx talk and her article in The Conversation about the potential of renewable energy and the economic implications of transitioning from fossil fuels.

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