How can we face up to the enormity of environmental collapse? How can we collectively build a politics for the Anthropocene? Laurie Laybourn-Langton interviews activist and former climate diplomat John Ashton. Laurie Laybourn-Langton (LL-L): You’ve been at the forefront of combatting climate change through your role at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office and by foundingContinue reading “Imagination and will in the Anthropocene”
Author Archives: Laurie
Welcome to the Anthropocene
All states, markets, welfare systems, major religions, their justifying ideas and the people that fought to create them came about in a uniquely stable epoch geologists call the Holocene. This era was typified by a climate suited to human flourishing, and is now over. In its place comes the Anthropocene, the name for a timeContinue reading “Welcome to the Anthropocene”
TV: Al Jazeera on air pollution
I was interviewed for Al Jazeera about air pollution
Quote: Local Authorities Struggle to Tackle Air Pollution Due to Government Cuts
I was quoted in a DeSmog article about why local authorities are struggling to combat air pollution: https://www.desmog.co.uk/2016/11/28/local-authorities-struggle-tackle-air-pollution-due-government-cuts
Uber X TfL? Turn peer-to-peer transport into a public service
Why didn’t Transport for London (TfL) invent Uber – and would Londoners be better off if it had done? The issues raised by this question are important and go beyond both transport and London and make us ask who and what the digital revolution is for. In the jargon, Uber is a digital platform thatContinue reading “Uber X TfL? Turn peer-to-peer transport into a public service”
Lethal and illegal: Solving London’s air pollution crisis (IPPR)
2nd November 2016 The follow up to a preliminary study, this major IPPR report explores new policies to reduce air pollution focussing on increases in regulation and road charging, and tax reforms. It recommends investment should then be channelled into sustainable alternatives, including shared transport, and support programmes for those groups most affected during theContinue reading “Lethal and illegal: Solving London’s air pollution crisis (IPPR)”
Quote: UK government taken to court over failure to cut air pollution
I was quoted in the New Scientist on air pollution: https://www.newscientist.com/article/2109362-uk-government-taken-to-court-over-failure-to-cut-air-pollution/
Lethal and illegal: London’s air pollution crisis (IPPR)
18th July 2016 Air pollution is a huge and growing public health problem for the UK, and for London in particular. Across the UK as many as 40,000 deaths a year are attributed to outdoor air pollution, and it is the second most significant factor impacting on public health in London, after smoking. This IPPRContinue reading “Lethal and illegal: London’s air pollution crisis (IPPR)”
Gateways to the northern powerhouse: A northern ports strategy (IPPR)
29th June 2016 The north of England’s major ports are vital and high-performing assets for region’s industries and economy, and the right strategy could further transform the North into an east–west supercorridor connecting Atlantic shipping with continental Europe. This IPPR report presents a plan for how, through closer and more effective collaboration, this vision –Continue reading “Gateways to the northern powerhouse: A northern ports strategy (IPPR)”
Community and local energy: Challenges and opportunities (IPPR)
3rd June 2016 A rising number of community energy projects and municipal and community-owned energy retail supply companies have been formed in recent years. This IPPR report looked at the significant challenges facing both kinds of initiative and what can be done to realise the huge potential benefits of community and local energy.
Laurie Laybourn 