Climate Law Matters

Dr McClean is an expert in the regulation of geothermal energy. She is a lecturer at the University of Newcastle and a researcher on a geothermal energy heating project. In this episode, she shares her views on the potential of geothermal energy in the UK as a reliable source of renewable energy, as well as explaining how shallow geothermal energy is currently regulated and how it could be regulat...

Professor Sir Dieter Helm is a Professor of Economic Policy at the University of Oxford and Fellow in Economics at New College, Oxford. From 2012 to 2020, he was the Independent Chair of the Natural Capital Committee, providing advice to the government on the sustainable use of natural capital. He provides expert advice to UK and European governments, regulators and companies across energy and cli...

In mid-February, Lang J granted permission to proceed to the Marine Conservation Society, Richard Haward’s Oysters and Hugo Tagholm in their challenge to the Storm Overflows Reduction Plan, which, it is contended, will allow untreated sewage into water bodies. One of the grounds of challenge is that the plan is contrary to the public trust doctrine. In this episode, Stephen Tromans KC and Steph Da...

Sustainable development and the precautionary principle are seen as important principles in improving environmental standards. In this episode, Stephen Tromans KC and Steph David discuss the extent to which these principles can be deployed in public interest judicial reviews to achieve climate change goals. Resources: (1) Climate Change Act 2008 ; (2) Planning Act 2008 ; (3) Environment Act 2021 ;...

By the Aarhus Convention, the state parties recognised the importance of citizens having access to environmental information and access to environmental justice. Indeed, public interest judicial reviews brought by individuals and campaigning organisations are fundamental to upholding environmental standards. In this episode, Stephen Tromans KC and Steph David discuss how to formulate a public inte...

Last year, the Net Zero Plan was found to be unlawful by Holgate J. On 30 March 2023, what has been dubbed “Green day”, the Government published its Net Zero Growth Plan alongside a suite of policy documents and consultations. In this episode, Stephen Tromans KC and Steph David discuss the Net Zero Growth Plan and the risks of legal challenge. Resources: (1) Net Zero Growth Plan and linked documen...