
Laurie Laybourn is an award-winning researcher, author and strategist. He is a Visiting Fellow at Chatham House, an Associate Fellow at the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), and a Visiting Fellow at the Global Systems Institute, University of Exeter. He regularly writes for a range of publications and appears on TV and radio. Find out more.
Latest writing and speaking
- Comment: WHO BulletinSuccess, failure, and the imperative for justice in climate negotiations Recent United Nations Conferences of the Parties (COPs) have demonstrated that health professionals are playingContinue reading “Comment: WHO Bulletin”
- Interview: Financial TimesI spoke with Attracta Mooney at the FT about the 1.5C climate target. You can read it here.
- Coverage: New StatesmanThe New Statesman covered our report with IPPR and Chatham House, which you can read here.

Planet on Fire: A Manifesto for the Age of Environmental Breakdown
Planet on Fire is an urgent manifesto for a reimagining of our economic system. It offers a clear and practical road map for a future that is more democratic and sustainable by design. Mathew Lawrence and Laurie Laybourn argue that it is not enough just to spend and innovate our way out of the crisis; we must also rapidly reshape the economy to create a new way of life that can foster a healthy and flourishing environment for all.
“A clear, powerful vision. Don’t miss this book.”
Jason Hickel, academic and author of Less is More
“This is a political guide for the times ahead.”
Kate Aronoff, journalist and author of Overheated
“This book is a manifesto and a call to arms. Please read it.”
John Ashton, activist and UK climate envoy 2006-2o12
Latest research
- Report: 1.5°C – dead or alive? The risks to transformational change from reaching and breaching the Paris Agreement goalI was lead author of a report from IPPR and Chatham House. It’s part of the Cohort 2040 project. It argues that the historical failureContinue reading “Report: 1.5°C – dead or alive? The risks to transformational change from reaching and breaching the Paris Agreement goal”
- The Cohort 2040 Challenge (IPPR)This report – the first of the Cohort 2040 project and published with the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) – explores the huge challengeContinue reading “The Cohort 2040 Challenge (IPPR)”
- Making change: What works? (IPPR)Movements change the world. Throughout history, loosely organised networks of individuals and organisations have sought changes to societies – and won. From the abolitionist struggleContinue reading “Making change: What works? (IPPR)”
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