2019–20 Outlook

What can Cleantech Co-Director you do about cluster Joanna Haigh climate change? Meet the retires Read the entrepreneurs “It has been experts’ looking to an honour,” top tips clean up she says

GO TO PAGE 10 GO TO PAGE 14 GO TO PAGE 18 Foreword Contents The Grantham Institute’s mission to contribute to, and lead on, world-class research, training and innovation towards Introduction 3 effective action on climate change and the environment is more relevant now than ever. Highlights of 2018–19 4 Grass-roots movements have risen up to demand action on climate change across society and to face the tough The future we see 6 changes needed at all levels. Recognising the all-encom- passing nature of this challenge, I joined the heads of 9 things you can do 12 leading institutions from six continents in founding the about climate change 10 Global Alliance of Universities on Climate (GUAC) to propel worldwide climate action. Vision for innovation 14 We are proud that in 2019, then-Prime Minister, Theresa May, chose Imperial as the backdrop for announcing the Interview: 18 UK’s ambitious net-zero target for emis- Professor Joanna Haigh sions, reflecting the high quality of our work in low-carbon technologies, climate research and policy analysis. Interview: 19 Of course, we must practise what we preach, and we were Dr Ana Mijic delighted to appoint Professor Paul Lickiss as Imperial’s new Academic Leader in Sustainability. From November 2019, Training leaders he will head our Greening Imperial programme, developing of the future 20 ambitious climate change and sustainability goals for the College. These goals will integrate our operations with our Media highlights 22 mission of education, research and innovation. We are committed to creating new opportunities for Study at Imperial 23 sustainable technologies and business models that solve environmental challenges. With support from the Greater London Authority, we are launching a fundraising campaign to create a hub on our White City Campus where inventors, designers, investors and experienced businesspeople come together to propel ideas and research discoveries into commercial successes. Finally, we give our thanks to Professor Joanna Haigh, Co-Director of the Grantham Institute for the past five years, who retired after a very successful 35 year career at Imperial. Her legacy of research discoveries, mentored students and academic leadership is a significant contribution to the world. We wish her an enjoyable retirement from official duties, and welcome her continued involvement as a bold advocate for climate action. Copyright © 2019. The opinions expressed in Outlook are those of the contributors and not Please do read on and find out Professor Alice P. Gast necessarily those of more about the Institute’s plans is President of Imperial or the Grantham Institute. for the coming year. College London Cover image by Soapbox, www.soapbox.co.uk INTRODUCTION FROM THE CO-DIRECTOR

PROFESSOR MARTIN SIEGERT FRSE Co-Director of the Grantham Institute

In 2019, global heating trends became all too familiar to anyone in Western Europe, America, India and just about every other part of the planet. Temperature records were exceeded around the world – 46°C in France and 39°C in the UK in July – and the tangible effects became hard to deny. Unseasonal wildfires from the Amazon to Siberia; flooding from the United States to Turkey; droughts in Australia, India and sub-Saharan Africa – one-in- a-hundred-year extreme weather events are becoming one-in-ten-year events. This is not the world I want for me and my family, but there is still time to make the changes necessary policies, initiatives and innovation negotiations – known as COP26 – in for us to inhabit our planet sustainably. needed to drive ambitious emissions 2020. The assembly of world leaders, At the Grantham Institute, we reductions (p6–9). policy actors, innovators and grass- want to make a difference. A recent This year, our Annual Lecturer, the roots movements, IpsosMORI poll showed that 85 per artist, activist and Honorary President as well as the media, makes it an cent of Britons are worrying about of the Black Environment Network, imperative for the UK to overcome its climate change, and visible public Judy Ling Wong OBE (pictured), political divisions, raise ambitions movements have galvanised con- reminded us that climate as per the 2015 Paris Agreement, cerned citizens, with thousands adding change action must and set course for a universal their voices to the warnings of experts. work for all our diverse and just transition to net zero Find out what you can do about climate and disadvantaged carbon emissions. change, with our latest evidence-based communities. She “We love what we enjoy and information campaign (p10–11). also explained how we protect what we love.” many are already “85 per cent of Britons are engaged and making I would finally like to extend worrying about climate change.” a huge contribution to the my gratitude to Professor Joanna Across the political spectrum, natural environment. She compared Haigh who retired after five years initiatives like Green Great Britian the ‘beautiful’ diversity of nature as Co-Director (p18). Jo’s leadership Week, London Climate Action Week, with that of human beings, and urged of was truly exemplary, and we will miss and the UK’s new legal commitment people to connect with it emotionally, her insights on climate science and its to reducing emissions to net zero by saying, “We love what we enjoy and translation to the public, policy and 2050 (p4–5), are bridging cultural gaps we protect what we love.” business communities. We look forward and will bring a greener, cleaner, fairer Looking ahead, we welcome to the appointment of a replacement future to everyone. We are proud to the news that Glasgow will host to join our friendly, supportive and be providing evidence to promote the the United Nations’ climate change communicative Institute in 2020.

3

OUTLOOK 2019–20 HIGHLIGHTS HIGHLIGHTS Here are some of the highlights of Grantham Institute activities in 2018–19, showing how we contributed towards our vision for a sustainable, resilient, zero-carbon society.

1 On the agenda at COP24

A delegation 12 academics, students and communications professionals made up some of the official ‘observers’ at the 24th Conference of the Parties (COP24) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) 2 in Katowice, Poland in December 2018. Online learning supports Chair in Mineral Processing Professor clean power revolution Jan Cilliers (pictured centre) joined a workshop with the Mayor of a coal-de- The Grantham Institute joined pendent Polish town, seeking to identify forces with Children’s Investment the priorities for making a ‘just’ transition Fund Foundation (CIFF) to launch away from coal mining to an economically the Clean Power Programme in strong future. Dr Robert Gross, Policy April 2019. These three short online Director at Imperial’s Energy Futures courses aim to educate and address Lab, chaired Imperial’s official side the policy and political challenges event, which focused on the challenges holding back low-carbon energy. and opportunities for renewable energy Course leaders, including Imperial and energy storage in avoiding further academics Professor Joanna Haigh, rise in global temperatures. Dr Kris Murray, Professor Richard Green, Dr Ajay Gambhir, Dr Jeff Hardy and Dr Clementine Chambon, focus on reasons to shift to clean power, pro-renewables policy and regulation, and incorporating renewable energy into electricity grids. Read more p21 & 23.

4

OUTLOOK 2019–20 HIGHLIGHTS

3 Grantham Art Prize

The Grantham Institute teamed up with the Royal College of Art to commission six new works of art that spark mean- ingful contemplation and conversation about climate change. At the opening exhibition of the Grantham Art Prize in April 2019 at Imperial’s Main Reception, Peter Kennard, contempo- rary artist and Professor of Political Art, joined the prize winners to discuss how art can help people get 5 Ministerial address emotionally involved in this essential issue. The exhibition continued at Then-Prime Minister, Theresa May the Great Exhibition Road Festival in announced historic plans to end UK June and the Royal College of Art’s carbon emissions by 2050 at Imperial Dyson Gallery in August. Pictured in June 2019. The news, which made above is Yoshino Cherry Tree, by artist the UK the first G7 nation to legis- Michiko Yamamoto in collaboration late for net zero emissions, came with Imperial’s Dr Kris Murray and just weeks afterProfessor Joanna Sonia Tiedt. Haigh, former Grantham Institute © Fergus Burnett/Imperial College London Co-Director, led a group of eminent climate researchers in urging the PM to enshrine the target into UK law. Professor Haigh joined Imperial’s Provost Professor Ian Walmsley in welcoming Mrs May and Minister of State for Energy & Clean Growth Claire Perry to the College. 4 Park up for London © Jo Mieszkowski/Imperial College London Climate Action Week

Londoners sought shade at South Kensington’s Great Exhibition Road 6 Green GB Week and IPCC Festival during London Climate Action launch at Imperial Week and the summer heatwave in June 2019. Imperial PhD students Minister of State for Energy & Clean Hamish Beath, Karina Corada- Growth Claire Perry launched the first Perez, Catalina Cruz and Rosie Riley ever Green Great Britain & Northern worked with Emma Brassington from Ireland Week (Green GB Week) at University of the Arts London and Imperial in October 2018, hosted by Meristem Design to set up a temporary the Grantham Institute. This event ‘parklet’ (small park). Visitors sat also served as a Europe-wide launch amongst planters containing wildflow- of the Intergovernmental Panel ers, bushes and vegetable patches on Climate Change (IPCC) Special covering two car parking spaces, Report on Global Warming of 1.5°C, whilst chatting to scientists about and featured presentations by key the benefits of greenery in our cities. figures from the United Nations, the UK government, and the IPCC, including Grantham Lecturer Dr Joeri Rogelj.

5 OUTLOOK 2018–19 THE FUTURE WE SEE

THE FUTURE WE SEE

6 OUTLOOK 2019–20 THE FUTURE WE SEE

READ MORE IMPERIAL AND KING’S COLLEGE LONDON ARE LEADING A NEW CENTRE FOR THE STUDY AND PREVENTION “Our house is on fire,” warned teen- to understand the rationale for this OF WILDFIRES (P9) age climate activist Greta Thunberg target, their role in delivering it, the at the World Economic Forum in implications for investment and Davos, and the only response is the wider benefits for society. The to take immediate and radical Grantham Institute has embarked action to reduce greenhouse gas on a new programme, with the emissions. The result will be a far Grantham Research Institute at the better life for everyone. In June 2019, London School of Economics (LSE), then-Prime Minister Theresa May to provide evidence-based informa- came to Imperial to visit the low-car- tion on a range of questions related bon technology research facilities, to the net-zero agenda. Initially, and enshrine in law the UK’s target we will set out our vision for the of net zero carbon emissions by future we want to see. We will then 2050. Businesses, policymakers address the most concerning issues in different sectors, international and share our answers with decision stakeholders and citizens expect makers and the public.

PROFESSOR JENNY NELSON PROFILE

Professor of and change. Using modelling tools and Head of Grantham Institute’s knowledge of energy technologies, Mitigation Team policy and the economy, we try to assess the impact of different Professor Jenny Nelson joined Imperial approaches to climate change miti- 30 years ago as a post-doctoral gation. We also hope the findings will researcher. Now a Clarivate Analytics/ help researchers to direct their work.” Web of Science Highly Cited scientist For example, analysis by the (one of the most influential 600 scien- team identified that swapping one tists in the world), she specialises in component material for another in the science of materials and devices solar cells actually improved the for solar energy conversion. lifetime costs and resource efficiency “I’ve been involved with the for solar electricity overall, despite Grantham Institute since its founda- causing a drop in the efficiency of tion. I wanted to know whether our the individual cells. research, if successful, would actually Does she think we can find a work- make a difference when it came to able response to the challenges of tackling climate change,” she says. climate change? “Working together col- Professor Nelson heads up the laboratively towards this common goal Institute’s Mitigation Team, a group could bring other benefits, such as of researchers carrying out interdisci- a more egalitarian society. Important plinary research on topics related to changes are happening at grass roots, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. but not yet at higher levels. We need She explains: “One of our goals is to to find a way for our political systems determine how new technologies fit to respond to the growing movement

istock/Byronsdad in to the global response to climate to act on climate change,” she says.

7 OUTLOOK 2019–20 THE FUTURE WE SEE

CAPE TOWN TEETERS ON RIM OF DROUGHT DISASTER

In 2018, following several years of low narrowly averted. However, as the cli- long-term water security. rainfall in South Africa, Cape Town, mate changes and populations grow, Lead author from Imperial, which is home to 4 million people, water shortages will become more Dr Robbie Parks, commented: risked becoming the first major city common in cities around the world, “Making changes to this complex in the modern era to run out of water – making the experiences in Cape Town infrastructure requires a long-term a critical juncture termed ‘Day Zero’. incredibly relevant. view and a great degree of interdis- In response, the municipal govern- A briefing paper considers what ciplinary engagement to ensure that ment took drastic action to manage can be learned and offers recommen- all aspects of the system are taken water demand and Day Zero was dations for how cities can ensure into account.”

READ MORE EXPERIENCES AND LESSONS IN MANAGING WATER FROM CAPE TOWN

istock/fivepointsix bit.ly/Cape-town-water

COUNCILS TACKLE CLIMATE EMERGENCY AND SOCIAL INEQUALITY TOGETHER

Tackling climate change can provide way that resonates with the everyday multiple benefits to society (known as concerns of the public. That’s why we co-benefits) that include improvements were delighted to welcome 60 councils in public health, reduced NHS costs, from around the UK to discuss how greater energy security, growth in the climate action can help address some low-carbon jobs market and a reduc- of the other key societal challenges. tion in poverty and inequality. The event was so well received that In June, Grantham Institute we are running an equivalent event in partnered with the charity Ashden Lancaster to reach even more councils to launch a new briefing paper on to help them achieve their ambitious the co-benefits of climate action, carbon reduction plans”. together with a toolkit by Ashden to help local authorities radically cut carbon emissions. READ MORE Dr Neil Jennings, lead author of CO-BENEFITS OF CLIMATE CHANGE the paper, said: “It’s essential that MITIGATION IN THE UK

climate action is framed in a positive bit.ly/Climate-action-co-benefits istock/sturti

8 OUTLOOK 2019–20 THE FUTURE WE SEE

JUSTICE FOR WORKERS MUST Ones to watch UNDERPIN INDUSTRIAL TRANSITION

Avoiding dangerous climate change about the low-carbon economy. 1 will inevitably mean a decline in In doing so, the transformation National and local government some industries, such as fossil fuel stands a better chance of achieving policymakers will hear from experts about extraction and processing, along with a positive and sustainable outcome the latest Intergovernmental Panel on significant changes for people whose for everyone affected.” Climate Change (IPCC) Special Reports on lives and livelihoods depend on them. An accompanying animation shows ‘Climate Change and Land’ and ‘The Ocean Justice and fairness for these people how to ensure the low-carbon energy and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate’. relies on access to the benefits of transition is just and equitable for all. Professor Liz Bentley of the Royal new economic activities and modes Meteorological Society will lead a meeting of working. with support from the Grantham Institute “Opportunity for all is the essence and the government departments for of a just transition,” says Dr Ajay READ MORE Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy WHAT IS A “JUST TRANSITION” Gambhir, lead author of a briefing paper (BEIS) and Environment, Food and Rural AND WHY IS IT CRITICAL TO GETTING discussing the sectors and groups that Affairs (Defra). TO A LOW-CARBON FUTURE? expect to be adversely affected, how to minimise such impacts, and what lessons can be learned from 2 past and current transitions. WATCH Imperial’s Professor Colin Prentice “Governments should draw upon TOWARDS A JUST AND EQUITABLE will lead a new Centre for Wildfires, the depth of experience of previous LOW-CARBON ENERGY TRANSITION Environment and Society that begins successful just transitions to bring bit.ly/Just-transition work in autumn 2019 thanks to £10 million support from the Leverhulme Trust. Imperial and King’s College London lead a consortium of partners including CONTROVERSY OVER NEGATIVE University of Reading and Royal Holloway University of London. The Centre will EMISSIONS TECHNOLOGY address the scientific and social context of wildfires. While world leaders united behind the that could reduce emissions at a Paris Agreement in 2015, computer sustainable scale,” explain Grantham 3 models showed that delaying action Institute’s Dr Alexandre Köberle and on greenhouse gas emissions meant Research Postgraduate Mathilde Grantham Institute is delighted that the ‘negative emissions technologies’ Fajardy, who co-authored a briefing UK is hosting the United Nations’ COP26 would be required later in the century paper clarifying pros and cons, and climate change negotiations for the first to remove from the likely future uses for BECCS. time – in December 2020. “This is an atmosphere. Now, as the 2020 negoti- “Currently, biomass is solely used important moment for the UK to show ations approach, the pressure is on to to produce energy, but adding carbon leadership on climate change, working deliver a scalable solution. capture and storage means the together with our global partners to deliver Bioenergy with carbon capture and approach could help reduce emissions real ambitious action,” says Director of storage (BECCS) is the most advanced from sectors like aviation, where car- Policy and Translation Alyssa Gilbert. “The of these technologies – burning bon-negative biofuels could be one of UK government has set clear targets, but plant matter to release energy whilst the only solutions,” the authors say. these need to be matched by real policies capturing the carbon dioxide and and measures as soon as possible. locking it away underground. However, COP26 will shine a spotlight on the UK some scientists question its capability, which will push us further, and also allow let alone at the scale required, or the universities, businesses and the public to READ MORE showcase what we are doing already, and potential conflict with agriculture and THE UPS AND DOWNS OF BECCS – WHERE what more we would like to do.” the natural environment. “BECCS must DO WE STAND TODAY? be part of a portfolio of technologies bit.ly/BECCS-ups-downs

9 OUTLOOK 2019–20 9 THINGS YOU CAN DO ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE

9 THINGS YOU CAN DO ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE

10 AT AT MORE AND TIPS TOP OUR ALL SEE TODAY! CHANGE CLIMATE ABOUT START A CONVERSATION bit.ly/Personal-climate-action

Thar Desert, Pakistan. © Nirmal R.

Soapbox or renewable sources. sources. or renewable low-carbon from comes electricity if the only but emissions, gas house green in reducing role akey play could to everyone.” available is easily it that so structure infra vehicle expand electric and barriers these to overcome how at looking are “We ity,” explains. he electric the for pay and your vehicle to charge system uniform no being to there distance], journey [maximum range the about concerns costs, to upfront from car, ranging electric an buying from people riers preventing solutions towards change for desire positive this to harness We want climate change. tackle todone help be can what asking voices are that to these wehave responded Institute, Grantham the at Here media. stream main the in prominent more become and climate has change emergencies, have climate declared organisations other and businesses governments, and local Parliament UK response, In climate to change. tackle action government significant more and faster to demand streets the on protesting and striking been have year, all ages of This people to petrol and diesel vehicles. diesel and to petrol alternative amainstream vehicles tric to make elec how investigating He is Diego. San California, of the University from 2018, in November Institute Grantham the joined Babacan Oytun Dr DR OYTUN BABACAN DR OYTUN Electrifying motorised transport transport motorised Electrifying “Currently, there are lots of bar of lots are there “Currently, Research Fellow Research Imperial College ------for us all. for us future to a cleaner, fairer greener, contributing towards further step to take one yourself and challenge messages our at take alook so one, for every there is something There use. and energy to transport, through diet –from life in your changes direct to making through in power those voice your to heard making from range leaflet, printed pocket-sized a as and online, available top tips, These public. to wider the speaks that in away evidence our sharing we have been So, and evidence. research backed are upbyour that he says. he says. actions,” these to promote needs infrastructure new city and transport public and cycling – and walking –like travel active should choose people this, brakes. To avoid and tyres their from pollution ticulate par create still cars But electric in London. them of over 2 million are –there cars private using overall. demands transportation our to cut need we in our cities, the grid.” power on solar from energy clean is more there day, the when during infrastructure charging to use able be would “Ideally, people Babacan. Dr says creating emissions,” more gas, hence natural more using by be supplied likely is most vehicles electric more to power required energy the stands, As it gas. natural or nuclear, wind, by supplied is mainly electricity UK’s the when overnight charged are “Cities are built around people people around built are “Cities air cleaner to have However, vehicles electric many “Currently, ABOUT CLIMATEABOUT CHANGE 9 THINGS YOU CAN DO CAN YOU 9 THINGS OUTLOOK 2019–20 PROFILE - - 11

OUTLOOK 2018–192019–20 9POLICY THINGS YOU CAN DO ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE

Awareness of the scale and urgency of climate change has renewed focus STUDENTS on the impact of aviation. Flying is very carbon intensive. A return trip RECOMMEND from London to New York produces over 1.1 tonnes of carbon dioxide. ACTIONS TO This is large, considering in the UK, the average person emits 5.4 tonnes CUT EMISSIONS per year. As part of their annual Challenge FROM FLYING Team project, a group of students from the Science and Solutions for a Changing Planet Doctoral Training Partnership have analysed data held by Imperial’s travel booking agency and identified opportunities to reduce carbon emissions from academic travel. “15% of people are responsible for 50% The team assessed what other of the emissions recorded in this data,” academic institutions are doing and says Research Postgraduate Laura have recommended actions that any Warwick. This inequality is mirrored organisation can take to reduce the across the UK – with 15% of people environmental impact of business taking 70% of flights. travel overall.

EAT SEASONAL AND LOW-CARBON FOOD

Agriculture currently accounts for 26% of global greenhouse gas emissions and over half of this comes from animal products. As well as the resources consumed directly by animals, more land, water and pes- ticides are required to cultivate their food – driving deforestation in many parts of the world. Typically, a person who eats 100g of meat per day (two sausages or one beef burger) produces around 2.5 times more greenhouse gases than a vegan person does. Evidence also suggests that people who primarily eat plant- based foods are healthier than people who eat lots of meat. Grantham Institute Partnership highlighted how growing food locally Development Manager Dr Neil Jennings and in its natural season requires and Research Postgraduate Lily Peck less energy for refrigeration and produced a leaflet that highlights the transport, so choosing to eat this way READ MORE health and environmental case for can further help to lower our personal SAVING THE PLANET, ONE MEAL AT A TIME eating less meat and dairy. They also carbon footprint. bit.ly/Eat-low-carbon

12 OUTLOOK 2019–20 9 THINGS YOU CAN DO ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE

such as levying an internal tax on travel Ones to watch emissions or improving the availability of video conferencing, to reduce the number of long-haul flights taken. 4 Finally, the authors raised the idea of Chemist Professor Paul Lickiss has a slow-travel policy, whereby time spent become Imperial’s first Academic Leader on personal travel can count as work time in Sustainability. The College created rather than holiday if the person takes a this new role to show greater leadership more environmentally friendly alternative on climate and environment and push to flying, such as train travel (pictured). for further improvements like the end “There is a perception that flying is to single-use plastic cups and coffee- an essential part of academia – allowing cup levy brought in by the Greening researchers to network and make new Imperial campaign. Professor Lickiss collaborations. There is, however, very has ambitions to set up a network limited evidence that flying has an of sustainability champions in every impact on professional success,” says department and division in the College Warwick. “Imperial can therefore act and to set up a sustainability fund. Firstly, they suggest that improving on aviation emissions while remaining data on travel would help the organi- a world-leading academic institution. sation introduce measurable targets In doing so, it will join other major 5 for reducing emissions. Secondly, they institutions who are taking the lead in recommend establishing a dedicated responding to the issue of emissions The first London Climate Action team to design and implement policies, from academic travel.” Week brought together neighbouring organisations from the Exhibition Road Cultural Group in South Kensington in 2019. Sustainability experts from organisations including the Royal IMPROVE CITIES BY GOING Albert Hall, V&A Museum, Science Museum, Japan House London and GREEN (AND BLUE) Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) have begun meeting to share their world- Incorporating vegetation and water features such as green roofs, grassed leading expertise in climate action and into urban environments can improve areas, trees, parks, rivers and ponds. low-carbon solutions in areas such as the quality of life for people living in These absorb carbon dioxide and other leadership, energy-use, transportation cities. This was the conclusion of a new pollutants, improve biodiversity and and procurement. briefing paper by Imperial’sDr Ana Mijic help cities adapt to a warmer climate by and Kathryn Brown, Head of Adaptation providing natural shade and cooling. 6 at the Committee on Climate Change The authors warn that despite Secretariat who was on a secondment its importance to people and the Grantham Institute’s student-led at the Institute as a Research Fellow. environment, blue-green infrastructure Changing Planet seminars feature Urban architecture referred to as is declining rather than increasing in cross-cutting ideas on climate action. ‘blue-green infrastructure’ incorporates England. They say that better quantifying The series kicks off in the autumn with the financial benefits of blue-green Bloomberg New Energy Finance analyst infrastructure could make them more and author, Jenny Chase, on solar attractive to urban planners. power – just one way to reduce energy use and cut your bills. Previous speakers include Carbon Brief editor, Leo Hickman, London Sustainable Development Commissioner, Maria Adebowale- READ MORE INTEGRATING GREEN AND BLUE SPACES Schwarte, and author of the 2009 book INTO OUR CITIES: MAKING IT HAPPEN ‘The Health Practitioner’s Guide to bit.ly/Blue-green-cities

istock/baona Climate Change’, Professor Mala Rao. Sign up to the Weekly Update newsletter for details of future seminars. 13 OUTLOOK 2019–20 VISION FOR INNOVATION

VISION FOR INNOVATION

14 OUTLOOK 2019–20 VISION FOR INNOVATION

A new ecosystem of low-carbon tech- With support from the Greater nologies, businesses and business London Authority (GLA), we aim to models must quickly evolve to help house these emerging businesses achieve ambitious international cli- in a vibrant innovation environment, mate and environmental goals. So far, alongside other parties who can help Grantham Institute’s innovation team to develop and deploy innovations has helped 55 such cleantech start- that tackle our climate and environ- ups to secure over $200m of early mental challenges. Over 2019–20, we stage investment – their first foothold are seeking founding partners to help on the ladder to success – and now finance and shape this vision, as well we want to go one step further. Within as mentors, budding entrepreneurs Imperial’s vision for its fast-develop- and businesses to co-locate activities ing White City Campus sit plans for a within the hub. Get in touch to be part global hub for cleantech innovation. of this exciting project.

DR ANDREAS KAFIZAS PROFILE

Junior Research Fellow and Lecturer can remove these harmful pollutants in Climate Change and the Environment from the air. “These technologies are already Dr Andreas Kafizas (pictured left), being used, but their effectiveness who joined the Grantham Institute varies when used indoors and in October 2018, dedicates his outdoors compared with laboratory research to what he describes tests,” says Dr Kafizas. as ‘useful chemistry’. Dr Kafizas and his research group, “My work is focused on developing Solar Coatings, have built an Air light-activated technologies that can Pollution Simulation Chamber to help drive a range of beneficial processes,” them understand how effective these he explains. “Sunlight is our most technologies are at improving air abundant renewable energy source, quality. In the chamber, they can set so developing technologies that use the humidity, wind speed and light it will be key to cleaner, greener, level to mimic the conditions found low-carbon future.” in a polluted environment. “For instance, I’m developing mate- What would he want to happen in rials that can use sunlight to convert the next few years? “I would like to see water into hydrogen fuel, which burns more investment in the research and cleanly back to water with no carbon development needed for the UK to move dioxide released. I’m also developing towards a carbon-neutral economy. light-activated paints and coatings The UK have been world leaders in that can help to tackle air pollution”. many policy changes related to climate One of the main components of change and the environment. We now air pollution is nitrogen oxide gases. need to pledge more investment to Dr Andreas Kafizas in his laboratory at the Paints and coatings that contain the ensure we meet the targets that we Molecular Sciences Research Hub building on Imperial’s White City Campus. LondonThomas College Angus/Imperial photocatalyst titanium dioxide (TiO2) have promised,” he says.

15 OUTLOOK 2019–20 VISION FOR INNOVATION

Elizabeth Nyeko, (pictured) Imperial in Uganda to address the energy needs College Business School alumnus of refugees and host communities. AN AFFORDABLE, and one of MIT Technology Review’s Here, the electricity powers rice and 35 Innovators Under 35, is pioneering maize mills, with waste byproducts EFFICIENT an energy solution for rural communi- (rice husks and maize cobs) used to ties in Africa that could add value to fuel the mini-grid itself. ENERGY power systems everywhere. “We want to bring down the Tracking the electricity demand of cost of setting up, installing and SOLUTION customers is difficult. This can lead to operating mini-grids, so that they high costs, overproduction of power are viable in a low-income setting,” FOR RURAL and inefficiency. As Chief Executive of Nyeko says. Modularity Grid, Nyeko is developing Modularity Grid is also working COMMUNITIES an intelligent cloud-based platform with Airbus, to adapt the technology that improves this situation. to deliver reliable power systems for The technology is being piloted next-generation spacecraft. Jody Kingzett/Imperial London College

LATIN AMERICA INVENTOR OF THE YEAR TACKLES PLASTIC POLLUTION

Inty Grønneberg was named Latin generate their own energy as water of the country’s most polluted rivers America Inventor of the Year by MIT passes through their turbines. to help stem the flow of plastic to the Technology Review. The Ecuadorian- “We urgently need to remove Galapagos Islands. Norwegian Postgraduate Researcher plastic pollution from our environment, is co-founder of startup Ichthion, and we need some real data on the which is developing technologies to pollution in water streams to drive tackle the problem of plastic pollution. better policies for a circular economy,” Almost eight million tonnes of plas- says Grønneberg. “We believe our tic enter the ocean each year. This can technology is a real game-changer.” break down into tiny fragments that This year, Ichthion graduated are harmful to human health if they from the Climate-KIC Accelerator enter the food chain. Ichthion’s tech- run at Imperial, and secured funding nologies extract plastic from rivers, worth £1m, including £600,000 from coasts and oceans before it enters the Innovate UK. The company will work marine ecosystem. The systems inte- with the Ecuadorian government, grate into existing infrastructure, and deploying their technology in two Fergus Burnett/Imperial London College

16 OUTLOOK 2019–20 VISION FOR INNOVATION

Ones to watch

7 STARTUP PROBES MICROBES Imperial is funding the development FOR BETTER SOIL HEALTH of ‘BioSolar Leaf’ technology by start- up Arborea. Designed by founder and Soil should be teeming with life – rather than which are present. This Imperial alumnus Julian Melchiorri, complex microbial ecosystems are allows farmers to monitor long-term Arborea is a system that cultivates critical to healthy soil and plentiful changes to their soils’ health, helping tiny plant-life – such as microalgae, crops. However, intensive farming them to make more accurate land diatoms and phytoplankton – on large practices are degrading soils through- management decisions to improve solar panel-like structures, which can out the world, which is threatening their yields. As part of the Climate-KIC remove carbon dioxide and produce food supplies. Accelerator, P.E.S Technologies com- breathable oxygen at a rate equivalent to Dr Jim Bailey, Imperial alumnus pleted a proof-of-concept, funded by a hundred trees from the surface area of and founder of P.E.S Technologies, has Innovate UK and now plan to produce just a single tree. An outdoor prototype developed a technology that enables a near-to-market prototype. will be installed on Imperial’s White City farmers to determine the status of Campus South Site. their soil by analysing the soil microbi- ome. P.E.S. Technologies use sensors 8 that measure microbial activity in soil, identifying what bacteria are doing, Breathe Battery Technologies, founded by PhD students Ian Campbell and Yan Zhao, is developing state-of-the-art control software to enhance electric vehicle fast charging. The technology FASHION TECHNOLOGY: works by adapting to every battery’s unique condition. The start-up is backed ‘CLOTHES THAT GROW’ by Climate-KIC and won the ‘Energy & Environment’ category of Imperial Petit Pli, a material innovation and Petit Pli were named a 2019 H&M Enterprise Lab’s Venture Catalyst fashion technology start-up founded Foundation Global Change Award Challenge. The duo hold Entrepreneurial by Imperial graduate Ryan Mario winner, and will use their €150,000 Fellowships with the Faraday Institution, Yasin, introduces clothes that grow prize money to scale-up production, and their ultimate goal is to enable wide- with children. grow the team and push their research spread transport electrification to combat The team created a specially engi- and development. climate change. neered fabric, which has a structure that allows it to expand bi-directionally. This means that a single garment can expand up to seven sizes – typical for 9 the first two years of a child’s growth. Three teams have come out on top of Petit Pli hope to make the fashion the Climate Launchpad National Final, industry more sustainable by reducing a cleantech competition that Gran- waste with fewer offcuts, using recycled tham Institute runs in partnership with fabrics, keeping clothing in use for Climate-KIC. Multus Media, who are longer, and inspiring the next genera- developing a new growth medium for tion to rethink the value of clothes. cultured meat, Treeconomy, who are “‘Clothes that grow’ was designed bringing economic value to the natural to answer the needs of parents and environment, and Nu-Oceans, who are children, retailers, manufacturers cleaning the oceans, one pair of flip-flops and the environment by offering the at a time, The winning teams, who all opportunity to make the sustainable contain Imperial students, enter a global option more desirable – and able to grand final in November in November. be implemented today,” says Yasin. Pli Petit

17 OUTLOOK 2018–19 INTERVIEW

“It has been an honour,” says Professor Joanna Haigh upon retirement Thomas Angus/Imperial College LondonThomas College Angus/Imperial

Have you always been interested in and wider interests, and what they weather and climate change? need to do about it. Co-Director of the Grantham I have very fond memories of camping Institute from 2014–2019 and with my family when I was younger, How do you deal with people who former Head of Physics, Professor Joanna Haigh leaves behind a and this encouraged my interest in do not believe in the science? legacy of science advocacy and the outdoors and the environment. When I started studying the role academic leadership. Her career As a teenager, I was taken by the of the sun in climate change, I got as one of the UK’s top atmospheric idea that weather could be scientific emails from climate change deniers physicists has seen her accumulate and I – rather geekily – made my own who believed I was questioning the numerous accolades – including weather station in the back garden heating effects of greenhouse gases. Fellow of the Royal Society and Commander of the Most Excellent and monitored the temperature, wind, However, that could not be further Order of the British Empire (CBE) rain and the clouds. So, following my from the truth. from Her Majesty the Queen and undergraduate degree in physics at the Now when people contact me a term as President of the Royal , I joined Imperial questioning the science, I politely Meteorological Society. Professor for their MSc course in , write back to try to explain the subtle- Haigh’s research showed how natural variation in the sun’s activity and it was fantastic. ties of the research. Very occasionally, affects our planet’s climate, an I receive a response saying, “Thanks, “I made my own weather understanding that helped to dispel this is much clearer now”, which feels station in the back garden.” the theory that global warming like a win for science! is linked to solar activity. What has it been like working with the Grantham Institute? What are your biggest career It has been an honour and a marvel- highlights? lous experience. The Institute has a Overall, the opportunity to meet wonderful sense of direction and clar- people from across the world ity of purpose; it also has superb staff and become part of a scientific and engages widely across Imperial community. Scientifically, having and outside to support science and my ideas on solar variability and action on climate change. climate change recognised.

Being Co-Director, I was lucky to have Impact-wise, meeting then-Prime many opportunities to talk to people Minister Theresa May on her visit across society who are interested in to Imperial, when she announced what climate change is doing to their the government’s legislation for net businesses, their homes, their hobbies zero carbon emissions by 2050.

18 OUTLOOK 2019–20 INTERVIEW

Dr Ana Mijic is ensuring sustainable water use and flood management in the years ahead

Can you tell us more about your work? What does the year ahead hold My research focuses on the interaction for you? between the water cycle and sustaina- This year, I am working on a London- ble development. Humans are changing based project – Community Water almost every part of the landscape – Management for a Liveable London and this has serious implications for its (CAMELLIA). It brings together local availability and management. Signals authorities, environment agencies, like extreme floods and droughts water companies, developers, Dr Ana Mijic, who are the planet’s way of saying we are local NGOs and citizens to develop joined the Grantham overusing it. I want to find out what will a ‘systems approach’ to urban water Institute in 2009 happen to the water cycle in the future, management in London. We want as a Research Postgraduate, is now and how we can support economic to explore solutions that allow for Senior Lecturer in growth whilst ensuring sustainable increased housing growth in the city, Water Management water use and flood management in alongside sustainable water use and in the Department of the years ahead. environmental protection. My role is Civil & Environmental to work with the key decision-makers Engineering. She How has working with policymakers to develop a set of integrated mod- is also currently influenced your research? elling tools and adaptive planning a Natural Environment As an engineer coming from an Research Council approaches that will help them make academic community, it has been (NERC) Innovation the best collaborative decisions about eye-opening to work with policymak- Fellow, working with water management. the UK’s Environment ers. Thinking about how my work could Agency to develop be implemented practically has given How can the world can meet the a systems approach me an insight into the complexity challenges of climate change? for water management of decision-making, and the many Everyone has a role to play as a global that can underpin the government’s ‘25 Year different perspectives needed to shape citizen, but, ultimately, you cannot put Environment Plan’. water management systems that all the responsibility on people living benefit the environment, society and their everyday lives. The problem is the economy. so big, and so urgent, that it needs bold action from people who govern and are prepared to implement policies and fund innovation that will help us meet our climate targets.

19 OUTLOOK 2019–20 TRAINING TRAINING LEADERS OF THE FUTURE

Imperial is a one-of-a- PROFILE: Marie-Adélaïde Bullukian, kind university in the UK, MSc Climate Change, Management and Finance being home to a global community of scientists, “I hope the debate will have engineers, medics evolved from ‘how’ to ‘when’” and business experts. Here, we meet some of the Marie-Adélaïde Bullukian was diverse range of other low-carbon born in France and did her under- solutions, she says, “There has students who are using graduate degree in Economics been a notable shift in thinking their diverse talents to and Political Sciences at McGill both in management and finance. University in Canada. During an However, the lack of clarity, find solutions to some internship with United Nations coherence and global standards of the world’s biggest Environment Programme Finance hinders sustainable management Initiative, she discovered sustaina- and finance practices. I hope that challenges – like financing ble finance. in the next ten years the debate will sustainable energy “A colleague of mine, who had have evolved from ‘how’ to ‘when’ been particularly supportive, had will the transition be achieved. technologies, protecting studied at Imperial, which strongly Time is of the essence here.” the world’s endangered influenced me to apply for this unique Master’s course,” she says. Imperial places great emphasis on species and understanding Having studied taught modules and the integration of Master’s courses past climate changes. completed a during the year, with its world class research Bullukian is now completing a work activities. The one-year MSc Climate placement for an asset manager Change, Management & Finance, specialising in sustainable invest- taught by the Grantham Institute ments, a field she plans to work and Imperial College Business in after she graduates. Speaking School provides graduates with about the prospects for sustaina- the interdisciplinary skills required ble finance to drive investments in business on issues relating to in clean technologies and a climate change and sustainability.

20 OUTLOOK 2019–20 TRAINING

PROFILE: Naomi Pratt, Science and Solutions for a Changing Planet Doctoral Training Partnership “If you want to make change, you can’t just ask nicely”

Naomi Pratt is approaching the end of her four-year PhD in deep sea corals and palaeoclimate. She came to London in 2015, one of 40 students joining her multidisciplinary PhD programme that year. “I didn’t want to be a hermit, so the community sounded PROFILE: Mohamedweli Mohamed, great, and I was keen to get stuck in to public commu- Clean Power Program nication and policymaking alongside my research,” she says. Also around this time, Naomi became involved in “The perfect way to learn climate activism, and helps to run Divest Imperial, a campaign to end investment in fossil fuels. “If you and have a balance” want to make change, you can’t just ask nicely,” she Mohamedweli Mohamed is one of more than 500 alumni explains. She also campaigns within and for the from Imperial’s online Clean Power Program on EdX. Labour Party for strong environmental policies like Mohamed works on humanitarian projects in the the Green New Deal. What holds her back? “Time Gedo region of Somalia, a country where most people and money are the main things, of course! It’s lack basic electricity access and renewable electricity surprising how quickly you gain confidence by just is very expensive and little used. giving stuff a go.” “I wanted to know more about clean power since For now, Naomi has been concentrating on writing I am advocating how to achieve the Sustainable her thesis. “I’m itching to get back to the climate Development Goals in our area,” he says. The online strikes and Green New Deal,” she says. “We are course is, “the perfect way to learn and have a balance in an unprecedented political moment, and have between work, family issues and studies.” everything to win.” Learning about case studies in countries like Denmark, Mexico, China and India that have achieved Imperial trains postgraduate researchers to address 50% clean power inspired Mohamed’s ideas for his society’s big challenges in government-funded PhD home country. “I am planning to set up small mini programmes that harness academic study, talent grids that use clean power as the area is very sunny and imagination; all supported by extensive profes- and windy throughout the year,” he says. sional development. The Science and Solutions for a Changing Planet Imperial’s vision is to develop and deploy cutting Doctoral Training Partnership trains and inspires a new edge technology to transform the learning and generation of experts and leaders to tackle some of the teaching experience. toughest environmental challenges of our time. The Grantham Institute and partners have produced three online courses about the shift to a low-carbon Teri Pengilley/The Guardian Teri energy system, that are accessible from anywhere in the world and available for free on EdX. The courses LEARN MORE cover the opportunities and advantages of clean ABOUT THE CLEAN power, the tools needed to build a global low-carbon POWER PROGRAMME power sector and the challenges and solutions of the AND OTHER WAYS TO STUDY AT energy transition. IMPERIAL ON P23.

21 OUTLOOK 2019–20 MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS

Heatwaves set newsrooms alight

“If we don’t do anything now, the 1.5°C threshold will be passed in 2030.” Institute Co-Director Professor Joanna Haigh renewed her calls for urgent climate action during the record-breaking 2019 heatwave while talking to the BBC. She said: “The government is distracted, but it Listeners’ phone-in needs to focus on this.” Other Imperial academics joined her call to action, addresses climate speaking to BBC Breakfast, Radio concerns Wales, ITN and The Jeremy Vine Show, The Guardian, France 24, London In May 2019, the UK’s Committee on Live TV and TRT World. Climate Change (CCC) released a new © BBC report, saying the nation can end its contribution to global warming within 30 years. Grantham Institute Director of Policy and Translation Alyssa Gilbert answered listeners’ questions on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Your Call, about the CCC’s ‘Net Zero’ report, and how the UK can cut its greenhouse gas emissions. Other Imperial experts featured on BBC Radio 4, edie.net and The Guardian.

Antarctic warming makes headlines In April 2019, Royal Meteorological Society and Grantham Institute experts briefed journalists about climatic conditions during the Pliocene – an epoch around 2.7 million years ago – when Earth’s atmosphere last had today’s level of carbon dioxide. Co-Director Professor Martin Siegert, (pictured, second from left) offered a glimpse of future climate change impacts: “The headline news is the temperatures are 3–4°C higher and sea levels are 15–20 metres higher than they are today.” The story made headlines in The Guardian, The Metro, BBC, Daily Mail, Press Association and The Independent. 22 OUTLOOK 2019–20 STUDY AT IMPERIAL

Study at Imperial Online professional

Imperial is a one-of-a-kind university in the UK, focusing development exclusively on science, engineering, medicine and business. To help you explore all the ways you could advance your Imperial now provides professional development taught knowledge at Imperial, we group our Master’s and Doctoral by Imperial academics, with best-practice guidelines, and courses into four different global challenge course guides. political and technical advice from legislators, policymakers, investors and civil society, all presented in an engaging and · Discovery and the natural world user-centred way. The Clean Power Program, developed by the Grantham Institute and funded by the Children’s Investment Fund · Engineering novel solutions Foundation (CIFF), consists of three Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) that are accessible from anywhere in the · Health and wellbeing world and available for free on EdX. Those who complete the courses can pay a small fee to receive a Professional Certificate. Technical expertise came from academics across · Leading the data revolution Imperial, including the Digital Learning Hub, the Centre for Environmental Policy, Energy Futures Lab, the Grantham These guides are designed to help you search our courses Institute and Imperial College Business School. by theme. The reason for this is that Imperial is highly inter- MOOC1: Why move towards cleaner power disciplinary. As such, many of our departments welcome Understand how clean power fits into wider political students from outside their exact area of expertise as long priorities, and learn to present the key arguments, as they have a background in a relevant discipline. highlight the implications of inaction and debunk myths. So, we encourage you to use our course guides to look for MOOC2: Create the conditions for renewable courses related to your interests – it may not be in a way you energy deployment previously considered or thought you might be qualified for. Practical knowledge of renewable energy policy development through case studies highlighting Download our global challenge course guides at: successes and failures from a breadth of countries. imperial.ac.uk/study/ MOOC3: How to incorporate renewable energy into the grid Explore different types of power in one stable, reliable system.

Find out more at: bit.ly/CleanPowerProgram

23 Get involved

In 2007, the Grantham Foundation The Grantham Institute is knowledge to businesses, industry for the Protection of the Environment one of Imperial’s six Global and policy makers to help shape made the visionary decision to support Institutes established to promote their decisions. an Institute at Imperial to provide interdisciplinary working and a vital global centre of excellence for to address some of the greatest Our vision is for a research and education on climate challenges faced by society. We drive sustainable, resilient, change. Today, the Grantham Institute forward discovery, convert innovations is established as a leading authority into applications, train future zero-carbon society. on climate and environmental science. leaders and communicate academic

Work with us Come to our events Engage with our students Partner with Imperial College London Join our mailing list to hear Become an education partner and academics who focus on some of about research seminars and offer a secondment or opportunity the most important, relevant and public lectures delivered by leading to our brightest students. timely questions. figures from research, business and government. Become a Grantham Affiliate Study at Imperial Imperial staff can access funding See page 23 or visit our website Join our cleantech vision opportunities, studentships and other to find out more about Become a founding partner support through our Affiliates scheme. Master’s, PhD and professional in our cleantech hub at online training programmes London’s White City and help to Follow us online at Imperial College London. finance and shape the vision Stay up-to-date with the latest activity for this exciting project. on Twitter and LinkedIn, or sign up to Support us Contact [email protected] our mailing list. If you would like to offer support or discuss the role you could play in helping us achieve our goals, please Sign up to our weekly mailing list of news, events contact Clare Dodds, Head of Trusts and opportunities. Visit www.imperial.ac.uk/grantham & Foundations on 020 7594 1829 or or email [email protected] [email protected].

South Kensington Campus Imperial College London London SW7 2AZ, UK +44 (0)20 7594 9666 [email protected] The Grantham Institute is committed to protecting the environment. www.imperial.ac.uk/grantham @Grantham_IC www.linkedin.com/company/grantham-institute

Designed and typeset by Soapbox, www.soapbox.co.uk Printed by seacourt – proud to be counted amongst the top environmental printers in the world