‘Why “good energy policy” is difficult’
8 December 2015
We are extremely proud to have helped organise a lecture given by Professor David MacKay in the House of Lords on Wednesday 2nd December 2015.
Professor MacKay spoke on a number of topics including ‘why “good energy policy” is difficult’ and how to improve international negotiations on climate change action.
Professor MacKay also demonstrated the 2050 Energy Calculator, which lets users come up with their own way to reduce UK carbon dioxide emissions and illustrates the trade-offs involved using real scientific data.
You can listen online to a recording of the talk and subsequent Q&A.
The talk was a whistle-stop tour through Professor MacKay’s time as Chief Scientific Advisor to the Department of Energy and Climate Change, highlighting:
– his work bringing tangible numbers to discussions about sustainable energy sources and some of the conflicts that exist between current governmental objectives
– the need for innovation if we are to meet the UK 2050 emission reduction target, and an innovation ‘Christmas wish list’ including energy storage, new approaches to wind power, carbon capture systems and better insulation.
Professor MacKay’s book, ‘Sustainable Energy – Without the Hot Air’, and a 10 page summary are freely available here.
Source: Sense About Science
