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 2020 - Glasgow
UK to host 2020 UN climate summit, COP26
The significance of Glasgow hosting COP26 for the UK, and the world. Read more
Road to Glasgow: Key summit asks
Three essentials, three nice-to-haves: What the Glasgow summit has to deliver. Read more
The Paris Climate Agreement
What's in the historic UN climate deal? Read more
Net Zero
Net zero: why is it necessary?
What's the logic behind a net zero greenhouse gas emissions target, and who is moving to set one? Read more
Net zero: the scorecard
Going net zero is going global. The countries, cities, states and companies leading the net zero race. 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
Transport: 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
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 was the ‘hiatus’ all about?
Temperatures appear to have risen more slowly since 1998 - so has climate change 'stopped'? 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
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
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
Will Britain keep the lights on?
How seriously should we take claims of looming power cuts? 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