The Disrupters
lessons for low-carbon innovation from the new wave of environmental pioneers
Growing awareness of climate change has not yet been matched by serious cuts in the amount of carbon the UK emits. This NESTA-funded joint project will explore environmental innovation in the UK.
- carbon neutralizers A few weeks ago Demos published a report with NESTA titled The Disruptors about low-carbon innovation. Low carbon-innovation basically means people and companies who make things that can reduce our production of carbon. It's not necessarily about technological breakthroughs - but more about how technologies can be applied in new ways, so that they are used by people and their benefits are spread through society. The argument being that if we are going to make the transition to a low-carbon... continue reading on 3rd August 2007
- Climate change, behaviour and innovation When did this happen? Is it suddenly ok to talk about the fact that people will need to change their behaviour if we want to tackle climate change? This discourse around behaviour is careful: it’s all about participation, not about prescription. It fits well with the latest media culture ethos – we’re all constantly on our mobiles, online and on facebook. Whether this will lead to an ‘I can’ politics, as David Miliband said recently, or ‘pro-social... continue reading on 4th June 2007 Comments (2)
- Getting off our Hackneys Dr. William Seward Webb hit on a brilliant transport idea in 1890. He would solve one particular type of mobility problem by breeding the Range Rover of horses - the Hackney - an animal elegant enough for the city, yet hardy enough for the country. This was a great idea except for one thing: just 15 years later, the first Model T Ford rolled off the assembly line. Surprise! I often think of this when I am cycling to work and find myself behind a big van, and I'm closing my eyes and... continue reading 28th March 2007
- Giving citizens the megaphone The past year has seen a surge in both government and citizen's attention to climate change. Scientists largely agree that climate change is happening and that it's human induced. And as the weather becomes weirder, public awareness is growing. The Stern Review urges economic action now to prevent costly adaptation later, the financial community is investing more in clean tech, and people want to see action on climate change. It is no longer an option not to act, the question is, what now? continue reading on 5th March 2007