Environmental Change Institute (ECI), University of Oxford

The world can take a leaf from Singapore’s book when it comes to climate action – in addition to having laws against irresponsible dumping, regular cleaning and disposing of waste are essential to keeping the environment clean.   Speaking at the SGFIN Sustainability Summit 2025, Oxford University Professor Myles Allen called for climate policy focus to shift from behavioural change to carbon dioxide disposal via carbon capture solutions, and outlined a roadmap for how such an approach could halt global warming within 30 years.   The event was organised by the NUS Sustainable and Green Finance Institute (SGFIN) and hosted about 200 representatives from the global sustainable finance community to discuss commitments, challenges, and innovations in the transition to sustainable economy. #NUSGlobal #NUSImpact #NUSResearch   Read more at https://lnkd.in/grg9XC2c. 

We're all set for edie 25 day 2, and ready for another day of engaging discussions and hearing from inspiring sustainability leaders. Here are some of our key takeaways from yesterday: 🔬 As we push for resilient change, we need to make sure we stay aligned with what matters most: the science – Solitaire Townsend 🗣️ Fighting climate change has wrongly been framed as anti-consumer, we need to reframe how we communicate it – Professor Myles Allen 🍫 Us being good on our own is not enough, we need to fight to change the system and industry more broadly – Douglas Lamont 🤝 Don't stick to your siloes - talk to anybody, including those outside of the climate space – Tori Tsui 🤔 No doesn't mean no, it simply means not that way. If a stakeholder is saying no, you just haven't pitched it right – Joanna Gilroy (MBA) 🧠 Climate change is a symptom of the problem, the problem is us. The question is how do we change ourselves – Brogan MacDonald 💼 There needs to be a re-education on what a green job could be - going beyond conservationists and renewable energy developers. This can touch every job – Leah R. P.S. Don't forget to visit the Springwise and The Earthshot Prize teams at Earthshot Hour 12:30-1:30 pm and connect with some inspiring innovators! #edie25 #event #sustainability

Professor Myles Allen kicked off #edie 25 with a compelling case for geological net zero. Time for governments to get familiar with like-for-like compensation.

❗ Expressions of Interest now open ❗ Expressions of Interest to join the Working Group on The Future of ZERO Buildings at Oxford are now open! The ZERO Institute is excited to announce the launch of the Working Group on “The Future of ZERO buildings” at Oxford, a strategic initiative supported by the University Estates Services. We invite academics and members from the Oxford community to join this initiative. Together, we can pave the way towards a sustainable, net-zero future for Oxford and beyond. For more information about this initiative, click here ➡️: https://lnkd.in/eN5C3fKc To express your interest in joining the working group, please complete this form ➡️ : https://lnkd.in/e2tU9VYk Deadline to receive expression of interest: 22 April 2025 If you have any questions, you can also contact us on: zero@eng.ox.ac.uk University of Oxford, Department of Engineering Science, Department of Materials, University of Oxford, School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford Jesús Lizana, Amr Suliman

Thank you ICE Yorkshire and Humber for a fascinating visit. The Humber is crucial for the UK's clean energy future. Important work is happening to adapt the estuary to a changing climate. It was inspiring to hear about work in the region to build the skills needed for the workforce.

I've recently published a commentary in this month's Foundation for Science and Technology journal which sets out some of the challenges facing infrastructure delivery in the UK at the moment: https://lnkd.in/dfPD6DcD As the National Infrastructure Commission explained in its review of costs last year, there are persistent issues with clients, planning, procurement and supply chains. There needs to be more confidence in the infrastructure project pipeline, and a greater focus on maintenance and asset management. Above all, we need to be better at communicating the benefits of national infrastructure and the tremendous engineering achievements that are going on right now.

🚨 New Article Alert! 🚨 The energy transition debate has been dominated by supply-side solutions—phasing out fossil fuels, scaling up renewables, and debating nuclear power. But are we overlooking a key part of the equation? In my latest piece, "Beyond Supply: The Case for Decarbonising Energy Demand", published in PLOS Climate, I argue that focusing only on energy supply is not enough. We need to address how much energy we use, how efficiently we use it, and when and where we use it. 🔑 Key takeaways from the article: ✅ Energy efficiency has delivered more emissions reductions historically than renewables. ✅ Demand-side flexibility (e.g., smart grids, dynamic pricing) can reduce fossil fuel reliance. ✅ Electrification must be paired with efficiency to avoid straining the energy system. ✅ Behavioural and structural changes—such as better urban planning and circular economy principles—must be part of the solution. 🌍 The cleanest energy is the energy we don’t need to produce. A demand-first approach can accelerate decarbonisation, lower costs, and enhance energy security. 🔗 Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/ev-8cQ4u What are your thoughts on shifting the focus beyond supply? Let’s discuss! 👇

Can you help ECI researcher Caitlin Hafferty? She is studying what attracts or discourages investors in nature markets and how to balance profits with environmental and social benefits. Her goal is to shape UK policies like the Nature Markets Framework and Green Finance Strategy to support fair, transparent, and effective markets.

𝗔 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗱𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗖𝗜 We’re excited to announce that renowned energy expert Jan Rosenow has been appointed as ECI’s new energy programme lead. He’s returning to the University of Oxford department where he completed his doctorate in Energy Policy 13 years ago. Jan said: “Leading the Energy Programme at the ECI is a huge privilege and I’m humbled to have been appointed to this role. The mission of the group I will be leading is very well-aligned with what has driven and continue to drive my work: Delivering rigorous research at the highest level with a view to inform policy making and accelerating the transition to a clean, efficient and fair energy system.” Find out more: https://lnkd.in/dr-4RrVq

What a trip down memory lane! Great to be back in Oxford at my Alma Mater this weekend after 10+ years and teach a room full of young leaders on Advanced Analytics and AI for Green value creation. Inspiring exchanges with our master students at the Environmental Change Institute (ECI), University of Oxford and real-life case studies unpacked - a powerful reminder for me that staying curious, asking good questions and engaging with others to challenge one’s own assumptions is the spice of life-long learning. And really living our culture at Microsoft of being a « learn it all » vs a « know it all ». Great to team up my colleague Claudio Mirti this year and introduce him to the city of dreaming spires. A special thank you to Professor Michael Obersteiner Avidesh Seenath and Faith Opio for the invitation, the entire Oxford team for making it happen and of course the cohort of learners for such an engaging day. #lifelonglearning #data&AI #sustainablebusiness #Oxford