Iain Soutar
@isoutar.bsky.social
Senior Lecturer in Energy Policy at the University of Exeter, UK. Researching change, inertia and public engagement in energy transitions.
https://experts.exeter.ac.uk/19656-iain-soutar
https://experts.exeter.ac.uk/19656-iain-soutar
Pinned
Iain Soutar
@isoutar.bsky.social
· Feb 23
There's a really healthy community of sustainable energy posters on here now. If you're still on the hunt for new posters to follow, here are some starter packs...🧵
Reposted by Iain Soutar
The Post (me and @kcrowebasspro.bsky.social) analyzed the social media posts and appearances of prominent politicians across the country.
We found that no one is talking about climate change anymore. In 2025, mentions are 60% lower than in 2024.
www.washingtonpost.com/climate-envi...
We found that no one is talking about climate change anymore. In 2025, mentions are 60% lower than in 2024.
www.washingtonpost.com/climate-envi...
November 10, 2025 at 4:24 PM
The Post (me and @kcrowebasspro.bsky.social) analyzed the social media posts and appearances of prominent politicians across the country.
We found that no one is talking about climate change anymore. In 2025, mentions are 60% lower than in 2024.
www.washingtonpost.com/climate-envi...
We found that no one is talking about climate change anymore. In 2025, mentions are 60% lower than in 2024.
www.washingtonpost.com/climate-envi...
Reposted by Iain Soutar
mainly boggling at the idea that any British media organisation has $1billion to be sued for (did Elon not tell him that we are but a simple land of hobbits, going about our hobbit business in the shires?)
www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article...
www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article...
Donald Trump threatens to sue the BBC for $1billion
President Trump has set a deadline of 5pm EST (10pm in the UK) this Friday to 'comply' with his demands.
www.dailymail.co.uk
November 10, 2025 at 4:26 PM
mainly boggling at the idea that any British media organisation has $1billion to be sued for (did Elon not tell him that we are but a simple land of hobbits, going about our hobbit business in the shires?)
www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article...
www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Iain Soutar
💡Getting the story right is crucial to help build understanding of the role of COP, why it matters and how people feel about climate and nature right now.
👉 Read our recommended key messages, framing and stories to help you tell a compelling story during #COP30: climateoutreach.org/tips-framing...
👉 Read our recommended key messages, framing and stories to help you tell a compelling story during #COP30: climateoutreach.org/tips-framing...
November 10, 2025 at 5:29 PM
💡Getting the story right is crucial to help build understanding of the role of COP, why it matters and how people feel about climate and nature right now.
👉 Read our recommended key messages, framing and stories to help you tell a compelling story during #COP30: climateoutreach.org/tips-framing...
👉 Read our recommended key messages, framing and stories to help you tell a compelling story during #COP30: climateoutreach.org/tips-framing...
Reposted by Iain Soutar
Quick thread on the BBC and the political and societal significance of recent developments:
One of the main reasons the UK has historically been so much less polarised than the US, is that Britain has a shared source of information, consumed and trusted by most people regardless of their politics.
One of the main reasons the UK has historically been so much less polarised than the US, is that Britain has a shared source of information, consumed and trusted by most people regardless of their politics.
November 10, 2025 at 1:43 PM
Quick thread on the BBC and the political and societal significance of recent developments:
One of the main reasons the UK has historically been so much less polarised than the US, is that Britain has a shared source of information, consumed and trusted by most people regardless of their politics.
One of the main reasons the UK has historically been so much less polarised than the US, is that Britain has a shared source of information, consumed and trusted by most people regardless of their politics.
Reposted by Iain Soutar
Switzerland is joining Horizon Europe!
We are uniting two research powerhouses.
For cutting-edge innovation that will boost our energy security, digital transformation, health and so much more.
Today is a good day for science, and for our EU-Switzerland partnership.
We are uniting two research powerhouses.
For cutting-edge innovation that will boost our energy security, digital transformation, health and so much more.
Today is a good day for science, and for our EU-Switzerland partnership.
November 10, 2025 at 2:58 PM
Switzerland is joining Horizon Europe!
We are uniting two research powerhouses.
For cutting-edge innovation that will boost our energy security, digital transformation, health and so much more.
Today is a good day for science, and for our EU-Switzerland partnership.
We are uniting two research powerhouses.
For cutting-edge innovation that will boost our energy security, digital transformation, health and so much more.
Today is a good day for science, and for our EU-Switzerland partnership.
Reposted by Iain Soutar
What you’re witnessing is a populist assault on the BBC.
This is not an institutional scandal in any meaningful sense of the word. It is an attack on public service broadcasting.
iandunt.substack.com/p/extra-edit...
This is not an institutional scandal in any meaningful sense of the word. It is an attack on public service broadcasting.
iandunt.substack.com/p/extra-edit...
November 10, 2025 at 10:52 AM
What you’re witnessing is a populist assault on the BBC.
This is not an institutional scandal in any meaningful sense of the word. It is an attack on public service broadcasting.
iandunt.substack.com/p/extra-edit...
This is not an institutional scandal in any meaningful sense of the word. It is an attack on public service broadcasting.
iandunt.substack.com/p/extra-edit...
Reposted by Iain Soutar
Beyond maddening that the government needs reminding cutting energy efficiency funding in the middle of a climate and fuel poverty crisis is a bad idea. www.businessgreen.com/news/4521576...
Government warned energy efficiency funding cuts would threaten fuel poverty and climate targets
Businesses and green groups warn mooted cuts to energy efficiency schemes risk economic damage, increased emissions, and higher bills for households
www.businessgreen.com
November 10, 2025 at 1:55 PM
Beyond maddening that the government needs reminding cutting energy efficiency funding in the middle of a climate and fuel poverty crisis is a bad idea. www.businessgreen.com/news/4521576...
Reposted by Iain Soutar
A new analysis tries to calculate the coming environmental footprint of AI in the US and finds that the ideal sites for data centers aren’t where they’re being built. www.wired.com/story/heres-...
If the US Has to Build Data Centers, Here’s Where They Should Go
A new analysis tries to calculate the coming environmental footprint of AI in the US and finds that the ideal sites for data centers aren’t where they’re being built.
www.wired.com
November 10, 2025 at 5:48 PM
A new analysis tries to calculate the coming environmental footprint of AI in the US and finds that the ideal sites for data centers aren’t where they’re being built. www.wired.com/story/heres-...
Reposted by Iain Soutar
Just trying to sign in to Teams on my phone (because, dear god, these things are sent to try us) and am delighted to have a QR code sent to my phone that requires I use my phone camera to access it, which of course doesn't work because I am *using my phone*
November 10, 2025 at 2:31 PM
Just trying to sign in to Teams on my phone (because, dear god, these things are sent to try us) and am delighted to have a QR code sent to my phone that requires I use my phone camera to access it, which of course doesn't work because I am *using my phone*
Reposted by Iain Soutar
I mean, what kind of legal action would this be exactly? Defamation? I would truly love to see it. 'They made it look like I instigated a coup during my very well recorded coup attempt.'
The US president has sent a letter to the corporation threatening legal action.
Donald Trump Preparing To Sue BBC Over Panorama Speech Row
The US president has sent a letter to the corporation threatening legal action.
www.huffingtonpost.co.uk
November 10, 2025 at 2:12 PM
I mean, what kind of legal action would this be exactly? Defamation? I would truly love to see it. 'They made it look like I instigated a coup during my very well recorded coup attempt.'
Reposted by Iain Soutar
A bit long term, but my favourite version of "how poor the past was" is in this chart.
Working hours go up (peaking at a 66 hour week), real wages go right.
Working hours go up (peaking at a 66 hour week), real wages go right.
November 10, 2025 at 2:40 PM
A bit long term, but my favourite version of "how poor the past was" is in this chart.
Working hours go up (peaking at a 66 hour week), real wages go right.
Working hours go up (peaking at a 66 hour week), real wages go right.
Reposted by Iain Soutar
A historic turning point for clean heating in Europe: For the first time, in the first half of 2025 sales of heat pumps in Germany have surpassed those of gas boilers.
This is a big milestone, demonstrating that the transition away from fossil fuels in our buildings is not just a future ambition.
This is a big milestone, demonstrating that the transition away from fossil fuels in our buildings is not just a future ambition.
November 9, 2025 at 2:36 PM
A historic turning point for clean heating in Europe: For the first time, in the first half of 2025 sales of heat pumps in Germany have surpassed those of gas boilers.
This is a big milestone, demonstrating that the transition away from fossil fuels in our buildings is not just a future ambition.
This is a big milestone, demonstrating that the transition away from fossil fuels in our buildings is not just a future ambition.
Reposted by Iain Soutar
Awesome blue plaque for a big loser.
November 9, 2025 at 12:48 PM
Awesome blue plaque for a big loser.
Reposted by Iain Soutar
Drax still doing what Drax does: burning old-growth forests in order to be Britain's no. 1 producer of CO2.
Drax still burning 250-year-old trees sourced from forests in Canada, experts say
Drax still burning 250-year-old trees sourced from forests in Canada, experts say
Exclusive: report by Stand.earth says subsidiary of power plant received truckloads of whole logs at biomass pellet sites
Drax power plant has continued to burn 250-year-old trees sourced from some of Canada’s oldest forests despite growing scrutiny of its sustainability claims, forestry experts say.
A new report suggests it is “highly likely” that Britain’s biggest power plant sourced some wood from ecologically valuable forests as recently as this summer. Drax, Britain’s single biggest source of carbon emissions, has received billions of pounds in subsidies from burning biomass derived largely from wood. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
November 9, 2025 at 10:23 AM
Drax still doing what Drax does: burning old-growth forests in order to be Britain's no. 1 producer of CO2.
Reposted by Iain Soutar
Since I haven't seen one yet, here's a starter pack of scientists actively working in the climate adaptation and resilience space, including researchers as well as climate service providers! 🌎🧪
September 15, 2024 at 4:49 PM
Since I haven't seen one yet, here's a starter pack of scientists actively working in the climate adaptation and resilience space, including researchers as well as climate service providers! 🌎🧪
Reposted by Iain Soutar
Heat pumps help people stay cool in the summer. In this latest research and video, I discuss how efficient cooling technologies (e.g., heat pumps) can reduce energy insecurity. W/ @lucyqiu-umd.bsky.social #EnergySky #energy #energypolicy
youtube.com/watch?v=JfVps3p_EdE&feature=youtu.be
youtube.com/watch?v=JfVps3p_EdE&feature=youtu.be
Dr. Destenie Nock: Can Heat Pumps Reduce Energy Insecurity?
YouTube video by College of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University
youtube.com
October 31, 2025 at 3:21 AM
Heat pumps help people stay cool in the summer. In this latest research and video, I discuss how efficient cooling technologies (e.g., heat pumps) can reduce energy insecurity. W/ @lucyqiu-umd.bsky.social #EnergySky #energy #energypolicy
youtube.com/watch?v=JfVps3p_EdE&feature=youtu.be
youtube.com/watch?v=JfVps3p_EdE&feature=youtu.be
There's also a B2, which is "the world is doomed, but the future will be fine for ME"
Which are you on climate change?
(Heuristic by Andrew Weaver, though I added the letter labels)
(Heuristic by Andrew Weaver, though I added the letter labels)
November 8, 2025 at 6:17 PM
There's also a B2, which is "the world is doomed, but the future will be fine for ME"
Reposted by Iain Soutar
This is almost a perfect study in how complicated market rules create opportunities to do things that the rule makers did not expect. Because the incentives to find margin will always beat the incentive on the harassed bureaucrat trying to find edge cases. We should've just banned Russian oil.
November 8, 2025 at 10:14 AM
This is almost a perfect study in how complicated market rules create opportunities to do things that the rule makers did not expect. Because the incentives to find margin will always beat the incentive on the harassed bureaucrat trying to find edge cases. We should've just banned Russian oil.
I had screenshots from TWO movies in my lecture slides today, and ZERO of my students recognized the movies. Are kids just not watching Mad Max or 2001 A Space Odyssey these days, and what can we do about it?
November 7, 2025 at 5:05 PM
I had screenshots from TWO movies in my lecture slides today, and ZERO of my students recognized the movies. Are kids just not watching Mad Max or 2001 A Space Odyssey these days, and what can we do about it?
Reposted by Iain Soutar
To be clear, what is being proposed here is to axe the main mechanism for getting Britain’s homes insulated - which is by FAR the best way to reduce household energy bills in the long term 🤦♂️
…and also, just incidentally, an absolute non-negotiable requirement for meeting UK climate targets 😬🥵☠️
…and also, just incidentally, an absolute non-negotiable requirement for meeting UK climate targets 😬🥵☠️
Reeves considers cut to green levies in effort to reduce cost of energy bills
Exclusive: Chancellor hopes to save up to £170 from average bill but industry insiders say move would be ‘disastrous’
www.theguardian.com
November 5, 2025 at 7:17 AM
To be clear, what is being proposed here is to axe the main mechanism for getting Britain’s homes insulated - which is by FAR the best way to reduce household energy bills in the long term 🤦♂️
…and also, just incidentally, an absolute non-negotiable requirement for meeting UK climate targets 😬🥵☠️
…and also, just incidentally, an absolute non-negotiable requirement for meeting UK climate targets 😬🥵☠️
Reposted by Iain Soutar
Going to get a sticker made saying this - that I can give to anyone who tells me smart meter data is all you need to make decisions about building retrofit.
Qualitative research isn't a consolation prize for when we can't get 'real' numbers. It's a different way of knowing; one that captures complexity, context, and meaning that statistics alone cannot provide.
November 6, 2025 at 3:08 PM
Going to get a sticker made saying this - that I can give to anyone who tells me smart meter data is all you need to make decisions about building retrofit.
Reposted by Iain Soutar
Scientists criticize ‘straw man’ arguments in Bill Gates climate memo
- "It's not surprising that people from the computing industry think in binary" says Christiana Figueres
#climatecrisis
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
- "It's not surprising that people from the computing industry think in binary" says Christiana Figueres
#climatecrisis
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Scientists criticize ‘straw man’ arguments in Bill Gates climate memo
Tech billionaire relying on ‘false binary’ with call to focus less on emissions and more on aid for poor, experts say
www.theguardian.com
November 6, 2025 at 3:25 PM
Scientists criticize ‘straw man’ arguments in Bill Gates climate memo
- "It's not surprising that people from the computing industry think in binary" says Christiana Figueres
#climatecrisis
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
- "It's not surprising that people from the computing industry think in binary" says Christiana Figueres
#climatecrisis
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Reposted by Iain Soutar
We're pleased to open a bursary scheme for our upcoming #FuelPovertyConf. We want to enable attendance from those organisations which would not usually be able to pay to attend conference.
November 6, 2025 at 4:01 PM
We're pleased to open a bursary scheme for our upcoming #FuelPovertyConf. We want to enable attendance from those organisations which would not usually be able to pay to attend conference.
Reposted by Iain Soutar
Ah.
November 6, 2025 at 2:15 PM
Ah.
Reposted by Iain Soutar
