Policy briefs

Policy briefs are aimed at a broad readership of decision-makers in the public, private and third sectors, UK and overseas, based on research carried out by members of the Centre.

These documents may involve collaborations with other individuals or organisations (such as the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment| or the Sustainability Research Institute|).

Each brief is reviewed by at least two internal referees before being professionally typeset and published.

2013

March

An Independent National Adaptation Programme for England

Sam Fankhauser, Nicola Ranger, Jonathan Colmer, Susannah Fisher, Swenja Surminski, David Stainforth and Andrew Williamson

Download policy brief (PDF, 624KB)
Download interactive version of policy brief (PDF, 2.51MB)
Download appendices (PDF, 700KB)
Read media release

A UK 'dash' for smart gas

Samuela Bassi, James Rydge, Cheng Seong Khor, Sam Fankhauser, Neil Hirst and Bob Ward

Shifting from coal to natural gas for electricity generation can help the UK power sector to decarbonise in the near term. With good planning and investment, natural gas can support the development of a low-carbon power sector by providing essential backup for intermittent renewables, but could only play a bigger role longer-term if fitted with carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology.

However, a new UK ‘dash’ for gas on the assumption of low prices is a risky economic and environmental option. A lower risk option is a ‘dash’ for smart gas; using natural gas in those areas where it offers the greatest value in decarbonising the power sector.