Tag: University of Exeter

Environmental studies urgently required before Ocean Carbon Capture can go large-scale, scientists warn

Stuart Mitchell

New paper highlights critical knowledge gaps into the impacts of direct ocean carbon capture and storage (DOCCS) technology. Scientists from Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) and the University of Exeter are urging caution in the upscaling of ocean carbon removal technologies until more detailed research can be carried out into the environmental impacts. It follows a review of current research in addition to initial assessments made as part of the team’s SeaCURE project. Published in Frontiers in Climate, the study, “Removal of dissolved inorganic carbon from seawater for climate mitigation: potential…

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University of Exeter works with Ministry of Defence on circular economy report

Stuart Mitchell

How a circular economy for the UK’s Ministry of Defence (MOD) could be achieved is outlined in a new report. Compiled with assistance from the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) as part of the UKRI NICER Programme’s CEctor project, the report highlights how a circular economy presents a solution to the systemic challenges faced by MOD organisations. Defence accounts for 50% of the UK central government’s greenhouse gas emissions, and the report outlines the issues facing the sector, from the escalating threat of climate change to decarbonisation targets, supply…

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New £10m centre to tackle the health impacts of climate change

Stuart Mitchell

A new Centre focused on delivering research on climate change and its impacts on health that will address climate-environment-health inequalities across each life stage is being created by the University of Exeter. Together with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the National Trust, Forest Research, the Met Office and other partner organisations, the £10m Centre for Net Positive Health and Climate Solutions is funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). The centre will focus on finding net positive solutions to the well-established negative impacts of the climate crisis and associated…

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Solar industry at ‘critical juncture’ with circular economy crucial to government target

Stuart Mitchell

A new report on the solar industry warns ‘the time is now’ to implement circular economy measures that help it meet government Net Zero targets.  The report “From Linear to Circular: Evidence from the UK solar sector” highlights a number of circular economy initiatives that are leading the way, including a project where used car tyres could play a role in manufacturing solar panels, and another where old solar panels have been revived for use in the reconstruction of Ukraine. The report outlines and addresses environmental concerns over the amount…

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Pension funds need net-zero ‘paradigm shift’

Stuart Mitchell

Pension fund net-zero transition plans are dramatically underestimating the risks and opportunities presented by climate change, experts say. A new report from the Economics of Energy Innovation and System Transition (EEIST) project, led by the University of Exeter, argues for fundamental change in the way the investment industry thinks about climate change. The report calls on pension funds and other asset owners to adopt “decision-useful climate scenarios” – using plausible real-world narratives to develop and implement bespoke transition plans. This would protect assets and support the net-zero transition – so…

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