Jim Watson

@watsonjim.bsky.social

Professor of Energy Policy & Director, UCL Institute for Sustainable Resources. Chair, World Bank ESMAP technical advisory group; UK rep, European Energy Research Alliance; Judge, King's Awards (sustainability) https://profiles.ucl.ac.uk/67127

Declining demand for fossil fuels due to the energy transition is a plausible future that could threaten the long-term survival of oil and gas companies. My new article, based on a talk for the NTNU Energy Transition Initiative seminar with Equinor last month: www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-do...

How do climate policies and politics affect oil and gas companies?

The politics of oil and gas production are at the top of the agenda once again. The energy price shock and increasing climate change impacts have led some countries to strengthen policies to shift awa...

linkedin.com

Two of the most influential voices in biodiversity and sustainability—Sandra Díaz and Eduardo Brondízio—have been awarded the 2025 Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement. In recognition of their extraordinary work linking biodiversity, ecosystems, and human well-being @tylerprize.bsky.social

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I'm not sure this is a watering down of Clean Power 2030. The government's choice of 'clean' rather than 'zero carbon' is deliberate - and included room for a small amount of unabated gas in 2030. This is reflected in the NESO advice of a few weeks ago: www.ft.com/content/5f02...

Keir Starmer waters down UK clean power target in policy reset

PM weakens ambition for ‘zero carbon electricity by 2030’ as he sets out policy ‘milestones’ for government

ft.com

*NEW* heat pump installs reached a new record in October, under the Government's Boiler Upgrade Scheme 3,800 applications received in October ‼️ following a year of growth after the last Government upped the grant amount to £7,500

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NEW The UK has banned new coal mines. No more licences will be issued, the government said. In a way, it doesn't change anything. The main big new coal mine planned in the UK was blocked by a court in Sept: www.thetimes.com/uk/environme... But still signal of direction of travel during #COP29

Cumbria coalmine plan blocked by High Court

Decision to approve Whitehaven site in 2022 deemed ‘legally flawed’ after Supreme Court’s ruling on future carbon emissions

thetimes.com

Interested in doing a PhD in energy/environment research at UCL's Institute for Sustainable Resources? Check out the UBEL doctoral training partnership. ubel-dtp.ac.uk/esrc-student... You need to find a supervisor and an outline project, and submit an outline application by December 2nd.

ESRC Studentships Main Competition - UBEL DTP

ESRC Studentships Main Competition The UBEL DTP’s fully funded ESRC studentships cover full payment of tuition fees per year and an annual maintenance stipend. What’s on offer UBEL DTP studentships co...

ubel-dtp.ac.uk