Briefings
ECIU Briefings distil the often complex issues of climate science, energy policy and economics into straightforward language. They are written by specialist journalists, checked by experts in the relevant field, and updated with the latest significant developments.
We aim for 100% accuracy, but if you believe that you have spotted an error or a development that we have not reflected, please contact us.
We will be rolling out more Briefings over the coming months to tie in with current issues and events. If you would like us to provide a Briefing on any particular topic, again please contact us.
You are welcome to reproduce and use our Briefings under a Creative Commons licence.
UN Climate Summit 2021 - Glasgow
COP101: What is a COP?
Very simply: what is a COP, who attends and why is this one important? Read more
A US re-energised on climate: what does it mean for the UK?
The new Biden administration is set to shake up global climate dynamics. What does this mean for the UK? Read more
Outcomes of the Leaders Summit on Climate
We distill what the major outcomes from Biden’s summit were and what this means for the UK. Read more
UK diplomacy and influence ahead of COP26
What UK actions will increase the likelihood of a successful outcome at COP26? Read more
The Paris Climate Agreement
What's in the historic UN climate deal? Read more
What is COP26, who will attend it and why does it matter?
What is COP26? What will happen in Glasgow, and can I attend? This Q&A aims to answer all your questions on COP26 Read more
Road to Glasgow: Key summit asks
Three essentials, three nice-to-haves: What the Glasgow summit has to deliver. Read more
UK to host 2021 UN climate summit, COP26
The significance of Glasgow hosting COP26 for the UK, and the world. Read more
The impact of COVID-19 on CO2 emissions
Have COVID-19 restrictions been good or bad news for climate change? Read more
Covid-19: What does it mean for COP26?
This briefing explains what the options are, the pros and cons of each, when decisions will likely be made and who has the authority to make them. Read more
The Glasgow Climate Summit & Finance
What is climate finance & why is it so important for this year's climate summit, COP26? Read more
G20 meetings & climate pledges
G20 nations cause 76% of global greenhouse gas emissions; only half those emissions are covered by ambitious pledges to cut them, under the Paris Agreement. Read more
Why emissions matter to China - and China's emissions matter to the world
China helped lead at COP21 to land the Paris Agreement. Although lower per-capita and historically, their annual emissions are highest globally. Ahead of COP26, it is in their interests to lead again. Read more
COP26 & covid preparations - what we know so far
With less than two months until the UN climate summit opens in Glasgow, we summarise what we know so far about UK Presidency preparations for an inclusive and covid-safe COP26. Read more
Net Zero
Net zero: why is it necessary?
What's the logic behind a net zero emissions target, and who is moving to set one? Read more
Net zero: why 1.5ºC?
Science is fast generating evidence to show the lower risks associated with the tougher Paris Agreement target Read more
Net zero: power
How can the UK power itself in a net-zero world? Read more
Net zero: heating
What are the options for keeping our homes warm without producing carbon dioxide? Read more
Net zero: cars, lorries, buses and trains
How can the UK's road and rail fleet emissions be cut to zero? Read more
Net zero: aviation and shipping
What progress is being made in reducing aviation and shipping emissions? Read more
Heavy industry and the net-zero economy
Using a range of technologies can help to cut industrial emissions, and save money. Read more
Net zero: farming and the countryside
Farming and wider land use will be crucial in a net zero economy. Read more
Negative emissions: why, what, how?
What are so-called 'negative emissions', and why are they needed to reach net zero? Read more
Net zero: economy and jobs
The shift to net zero greenhouse gas emissions has major implications for the economy. Read more
Carbon pricing; what, why, how?
The theory, history and options for carbon pricing. Read more
Carbon Capture, Usage and Storage (CCUS): what, why, how?
CCUS is tipped to be a major technology in 2050. What is it, why is it needed and how does it work? Read more
Hydrogen for transport
How could hydrogen be used for net zero transport? Read more
Climate Science
How is the climate changing?
What is happening to the world - and how far will it go? Read more
What's causing climate change?
Greenhouse gases, ocean cycles, dust - why is our climate changing? Read more
What is ocean acidification?
The ocean of the future will be warmer and more acidic: how will this affect marine life? Read more
What is the IPCC?
Facts, figures and findings on the UN's climate research body Read more
IPCC Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere
Fancy a visual alternative to the 1170 pages of the IPCC's latest special report? Read more
Impacts of Climate Change
Climate change and health
What does climate change mean for our health - and can tackling it bring health benefits? Read more
Climate change and nature
Drying land, acidifying seas - how will climate change affect the natural world? Read more
Climate change and security
Why are generals and admirals increasingly concerned about climate change? Read more
Climate economics - costs and benefits
What are the costs of climate change, and the costs and benefits of tackling it? Read more
Flood risk and the UK
How will flood risk to the UK change in future - and are we prepared? Read more
UK Energy - Policies and Prices
China and UK nuclear power
What's happening with nuclear generation in the UK, and how is China involved? Read more
UK Export Finance funding abroad
Is the UK's export credit agency undermining the country's international and domestic climate commitments? Read more
UK energy and emissions
Where does the country get its energy from? And what's producing its carbon emissions? Read more
What's in my energy bill?
Gas prices, 'green levies', company profits - what's changing, and why? Read more
How is the UK tackling climate change?
What laws are in place, and how are targets being met? Read more
Around the UK
What are the administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland doing to curb emissions? Read more
Fracking in the UK
Economics, resource. public opinion - what are the prospects for shale oil and gas? Read more
Small Modular Nuclear Reactors
What is the UK doing to advance new nuclear technology? Read more
Demand Side Response
How can we change how electricity is consumed in a smart grid? Read more
Low Carbon Heat
Decarbonising heat: the basics
What does the term 'heat decarbonisation' mean and what are the UK's options for reducing emissions from heating our homes? Read more
Energy efficiency and decarbonising heat
How will properly insulating our homes help decarbonise heating? Read more
The electrification of heat
Electrification is one potential method of decarbonising heating. This briefing looks at why, and how the technology would work. Read more
Hydrogen for heating
How can hydrogen be used to heat our homes in a low carbon way? Read more
Low carbon heat abroad
What are other countries doing on het decarbonisation? Read more
Brexit
Brexit: implications for energy and climate change
What are the implications of the Brexit deal on climate change and energy? Read more
Brexit: moving from the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) to the UK-only ETS
What is different now the UK has left the EU-wide Emissions Trading Scheme and entered its own, UK-only version? Read more