Accelerating the transition to net zero 

Energy networks are being given support to accelerate the transition to net zero.

Innovate UK and Ofgem have set the challenge areas for the second round of innovation funding under the Strategic Innovation Fund.

Applications open in early September 2022. Read more here.

First net zero transatlantic flight 

The world’s first net zero emissions transatlantic flight could be delivered by the UK government and industry as early as next year.

The pioneering flight, on an aircraft powered by 100% sustainable aviation fuel, is expected to take off in 2023.

Innovate UK is partnering with the Department for Transport to deliver the net zero flight fund competition.

Healthy food, people and planet

UKRI has added £14 million of funding into research that puts improved health outcomes for people and the natural environment at its core.

The funding for 11 projects will address issues such as obesity, sustainable agriculture, alternative protein sources and consumption patterns.

Find out more here.

NERC invests £40 million in a green future for the UK

Scientists will begin work on four studies that will tackle key challenges facing the UK as it adapts to climate change and moves to net zero emissions.

Each team will look for solutions to four issues: biodiversity loss, achieving net zero cities, helping rural communities adapt to climate change and providing timely data, analysis and evidence for policy decisions.

Find out more here.

Social sciences to play vital role in meeting UK’s net zero goals

The UK’s journey to net zero by 2050 is being bolstered by the social sciences, thanks to a major new investment from the Economic and Social Research Council.

The investment, in an environmental leadership team worth £6.25 million, will ensure the UK’s world-leading social science expertise plays a central role in interdisciplinary environmental science research. Read more.

Building the low-carbon supply chain to lead net zero revolution

£16.7 million of UKRI funding is going towards building the manufacturing capability Britain needs to lead the green electric revolution.

It will be divided among ten different projects based around the UK, each aiming to help develop the self-sufficiency of Britain’s supply chains. Read more.

Video: Monitoring the atmosphere from a converted plane

In the latest in our 101 jobs series, we hear from Hannah Price. Her job is to keep a converted plane that monitors the atmosphere in perfect working order. 

The Facility for Airborne Atmospheric Measurements (FAAM) operates a BAe 146 aircraft fitted out with specialist instruments.

Researchers use it to collect data about the atmosphere, to study everything from the particles released by volcanic eruptions, to the impact of climate change on our atmosphere. Here more from Hannah here.

The power of algae

Did you know algae has the potential to provide an affordable way of permanently removing billions of tonnes of CO2 from the atmosphere? 

Brilliant Planet, which started as a three-square-metre experiment and is now a thirty thousand square metre production facility, has the technology to make it happen.

Watch to find out how.

Medium article: Why are carbon capture and storage a key pillar to net zero plans?

Putting carbon dioxide deep into the ground is one of many tools that will help us on our path to Net Zero.

But how did it come to be such a big part of emission reduction plans, and is it safe?

Find out more in our Medium article.

Podcast: Emissions: Impossible? 

There are now more ways to catch our nine-part podcast ‘Emissions: Impossible?’ The episodes feature experts from across the UK.

As well as listening on your usual platform, keep an eye on YouTube where a new episode is being unveiled every week.

From eating grasshoppers to turning rubbish into fashion, we ask “what can we each do to help get to net zero?”.