Opinion

Comment and analysis on today’s biggest issues from Edinburgh's world-leading experts. The views expressed in this section are those of the contributors, and do not necessarily represent those of the University.

Governments need to begin fighting climate change at home

Dr Ian Cochran Dec 13, 2022 5 min read
Leaders need to do more to signal that the only future is a green one. Otherwise the financial sector will have an excuse to continue to bet on fossil fuels.

The Queen helped turn the ruins of British Empire into a…

Dr Harshan Kumarasingham Dec 6, 2022 6 min read
The British Empire was brutal, humiliating and unwelcome for many, yet, under Queen Elizabeth II's guidance, the Commonwealth helped bring some healing in its wake.

How a low-expectation COP both surprised and disappointed

Dave Reay Nov 24, 2022 7 min read
COP27 may have delivered a fund for the most vulnerable countries, but it also buried the goal of limiting warming to 1.5C and wounded the 2C target too.

What will a successful Qatar World Cup look like?

Grant Jarvie Nov 21, 2022 5 min read
Thirty-two nations have travelled to Qatar to bring home football’s ultimate prize. The tiny Gulf state has little chance of winning, but its goals go beyond sporting success.

Annual Covid boosters should be like the flu shot

Neil Mabbot Oct 24, 2022 5 min read
An yearly jab ahead of winter could become as routine as treating the flu. For the world to live alongside Covid-19 and to protect the most vulnerable, it is the most sensible option.

Why talking more about menopause at work is… complicated

Dr Belinda Steffan Oct 18, 2022 5 min read
There are many upsides for workplaces being more open about menopause, but employers should be aware of potentially unexpected pitfalls too.

The UK is 280 million years late for a fracking boom

Stuart Haszeldine Sep 22, 2022 5 min read
Why lifting the ban on shale gas exploration is contradicted by geological knowledge, public opinion, and climate change action.

Eat your green bugs: why Europeans should eat more insects

Peter Alexander Sep 12, 2022 5 min read
The environmental gains are significant - swap beef for bugs and get the same protein and nutrients at a fraction of the impact. But do Westerners have the stomach for it?

How Russia’s upside down, looking-glass worldview is driving the Ukrainian war

Luke March Sep 8, 2022 6 min read
Paranoia, rising authoritarianism and revitalised imperialism are combining with devastating effect in the Russian political realm. Putin's dangerous, alternative reality has led to atrocities in Ukraine - and it might not stop there.

COP26: Are we looking for success in the wrong places?

Elizabeth Bomberg Sep 8, 2022 5 min read
To find real progress at the summit look past world leaders shaking hands to what is happening beyond the negotiating rooms.

Good COP or bad COP?

Stuart Haszeldine Sep 8, 2022 8 min read
Incremental progress was made in Glasgow, but change needs to happen faster. The climate does not wait for politics, and it remains headed for an ever deeper crisis.