
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
- Event: Beyond ‘Hopeium’ and ‘Doomism’, Chatham HouseAs part of London Climate Action Week (LCAW), I chaired a fantastic panel that explored how to maintain focus and attention on reducing emissions evenContinue reading “Event: Beyond ‘Hopeium’ and ‘Doomism’, Chatham House”
- Event: Blavatnik School of Government, University of OxfordPart of an event on “Governing in the climate crisis: how should future leaders prepare?”, I explored how the environmental crisis is creating a moreContinue reading “Event: Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford”
- Incredibly, current climate pledges could keep heating below 2C – but our work isn’t overThe battle to get countries and companies to sign up to net zero is being won. Now let’s keep pushing for more ambitious targets TheContinue reading “Incredibly, current climate pledges could keep heating below 2C – but our work isn’t over”

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
- 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)”
- Fairness and opportunity: A people-powered plan for the green transition (IPPR)The final report of our Environmental Justice Commission The Environmental Justice Commission was established in May 2019 in recognition that action to address the acceleratingContinue reading “Fairness and opportunity: A people-powered plan for the green transition (IPPR)”
Keep up to date
Subscribe below to receive news on my latest writing, research and speaking.