Alison Smith
Research into nature recovery, nature-based solutions, green infrastructure and land-use strategy at the Environmental Change Institute, University of Oxford. Views my own.
- Reposted by Alison Smith📢 @ejmilnergulland.bsky.social: MPs must pause Part III of the Planning Bill—consult widely—and align it with the spirit and substance of the Environment Act and #CANBill. Housing’s urgent—but it doesn’t need to happen at #nature’s expense. Nature isn’t a “nice to have”. It’s all we have.
- Reposted by Alison Smith🚨 EU solar overtook coal for the FIRST TIME last year The BIGGEST fall in coal generation globally was in the EU in 2024, with many EU countries ranking among the world’s leaders in solar and wind 📉 ember-energy.org/lat...
- Reposted by Alison SmithNEWS: Oxford tops QS World University Rankings in English, Physiology and Geography Congratulations! Faculty of English, @oxforddpag.bsky.social and @oxfordgeography.bsky.social DPAG is No1 for six consecutive years, top of over 170 universities in this year’s rankings. www.medsci.ox.ac.uk/...
- Reposted by Alison SmithAs EVs become more affordable and the technology more mature, more diverse and inclusive messaging from trusted sources is needed to truly widen their appeal in the wake of backlash against Elon Musk, says Hannah Budnitz from the Transport Studies Unit.
- Reposted by Alison Smith🧵Planning reform that speeds up sustainable development *and* restores nature is worth fighting for. The #PlanningBill is currently one sided, weakening nature laws with scant benefit for biodiversity. But Ministers could get back on track for a win-win. www.theguardian.com/environment/...
- Reposted by Alison SmithNEW – Analysis: Nearly 60 countries have ‘dramatically’ cut plans to build coal plants since 2015 | @joshgabbatiss.bsky.social @globalenergymon.bsky.social Read here: buff.ly/ndBmRxQ
- Reposted by Alison SmithAir pollution has dropped significantly in #Paris in the last 15 years as a result of a deliberate strategy. Mayor @annehidalgo.bsky.social’s leadership has traded car space for green space, safe bike space, kid space.. and traded pollution for people. Good trade.
- Reposted by Alison Smith🐝 @carolinelucas.bsky.social is 100% right. 🌍 The #CANBill is essential to protect climate and nature with stronger, joined-up law. ❌ We can’t afford delays. 🌳 We need to make time to advance the Climate and Nature Bill in Parliament. 📰 👉 www.theguardian.com/environment/... @theguardian.com
- Reposted by Alison Smith⏸️ Pausing Part III of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill isn’t obstructionism—it’s a plea for due process. 👇 Read more in the op-ed written by @ejmilnergulland.bsky.social, @natduffus.bsky.social, Alexa Culver and Sophus zu Ermgassen. 🌳 www.zerohour.uk/planningbill...
- Reposted by Alison Smith
- Reposted by Alison Smith🌍 Steve Reed wanted the Climate & Nature Bill to proceed. Ed Miliband promised to work on the #CANBill's objectives. Mary Creagh pledged to deliver “binding nature commitments”. 🚨 Labour Ministers are speaking out. ⏳ What’s the delay for new, joined-up, science-led climate and nature legislation?
- Reposted by Alison SmithGovernment to extend ban on moorland burning - closing loopholes in existing rules Great news for nature, carbon, & people who’ll be spared from acrid smoke & flooding Bad news for dukes & billionaires who own grouse moors 🎻 Here's my quote running on PA newswire: 1/ www.gov.uk/government/n...
- Reposted by Alison Smith
- Tackling climate crisis will increase economic growth but a third of global GDP could be lost this century if climate crisis runs unchecked, says OECD report www.theguardian.com/environment/...
- Some wise words in these chaotic times from the incomparable Christiana Figueres illuminem.com/illuminemvoi...
- Reposted by Alison Smith"It will be easy to adapt", they said.... www.theguardian.com/environment/...
- Good news from the UK: £180m investment for solar panels in schools and hospitals, which will save on energy bills. A good start for GB Energy, though much more will be needed. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
- Reposted by Alison SmithIn this talk @hdavidcooper.bsky.social discusses key updates from COP16 & the path toward the ambitious goals of the Kunming-Montreal GBF. He explores the evolution of biodiversity governance & how science, cooperation, & grassroots efforts can drive recovery. 🌍🌱 @eci-bio.bsky.social
- Reposted by Alison Smith5️⃣ Economists like @angelaisfranc.bsky.social—Director of Policy Solutions @wwf.org.uk—are clear that bold action to transition to clean energy will make people better off, and fast. This is the best antidote to Reform, not aping their policies. 👇 youtu.be/slbfAfEvnQ0?...
- Reposted by Alison Smith4️⃣ Researchers at Oxford University are clear that the faster we move towards Net Zero, the more we’ll save. Why would Kemi Badenoch ignore these experts? www.ox.ac.uk/news/2022-09... @ox.ac.uk
- Reposted by Alison Smith3️⃣ Numerous science and engineering experts say that stopping burning fossil fuels by electrifying everything will deliver big savings—it's much more efficient not to be wasting all that heat. 📊 This study reports that 100% renewables is not just feasible—it’ll save nations over 60% on energy costs.
- Reposted by Alison Smith2️⃣ International business consultancy Deloitte reports that continued inaction will cost the world $178 trillion. 💷 But accelerating Net Zero will deliver a $43 trillion benefit. www.deloitte.com/global/en/ab...
- Reposted by Alison SmithBadenoch’s anti-science rejection of Net Zero is a shameless move to stoke culture wars. 1️⃣ The Climate Change Committee has shown that investing in Net Zero will generate UK annual savings of almost £40bn every year by 2050, delivering lasting prosperity. Other experts agree—here are just some: 🧵
- Reposted by Alison Smith1️⃣ Farmers are hung out to dry while fossil fuels cash in—more bad news for climate action and nature protection. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
- Reposted by Alison SmithEU spends more on Russian oil and gas than financial aid to #Ukraine – report - Europe estimated to have bought €22bn of fossil fuels from Russia in 2024 but gave €19bn to support Kyiv www.theguardian.com/world/2025/f...
- The UK is surprisingly short of water – but more reservoirs aren’t the answer theconversation.com/the-uk-is-su...
- Reposted by Alison SmithWhat if society's focus shifted from economic growth to human well-being within the boundaries of what Earth can provide? A team of researchers tackled that question in a new review from the Lancet Planetary Health, and I spoke with the lead author for mongabay.bsky.social:
- Reposted by Alison SmithAtmospheric #CarbonRemoval through “Climate plantations” (bioenergy with carbon capture and storage #BECCS) is limited within #PlanetaryBoundaries, a PIK model study @CommsEarth shows. But a more plant-based diet worldwide could free up significant areas. www.pik-potsdam.de/en/news/late...
- Reposted by Alison SmithOnly 19%of people thought building a 3rd runway at Heathrow was the right priority at the moment, **61%** saying it was the wrong focus Most popular priority was improving the state of roads, 68%, increasing bus routes 28%, more charge points for EVs 23% www.independent.co.uk/business/pub...
- Reposted by Alison SmithThe 2025 @tylerprize.bsky.social has been awarded to Sandra Díaz & Eduardo Brondízio for their stellar bodies-of-work. Not only are they the 1st recipients from S. America, but they were also 2/3 co-Chairs of @ipbes.net #GlobalAssessment. 🌍🧪 Congratulations! Read more: www.tylerprize.org
- Reposted by Alison Smith"In the face of the current wave of environmental backlash and net zero scaremongering, rejecting Rosebank is a golden opportunity for the UK to draw a line in the sand against the myths and misinformation" writes @carolinelucas.bsky.social in our latest blog. Read it now👉
- Reposted by Alison SmithNow almost 450 signatories to my open letter calling on the @royalsociety.org to stand up for its values & deal with the widespread concerns raised by Elon Musk's Fellowship. Please consider signing & sharing: forms.gle/miDciq35oxyw... List of signatories here: occamstypewriter.org/scurry/2025/...
- Reposted by Alison SmithDifficult to keep up ‘USDA ordered to erase “climate change” from its reports and website lnkd.in/dv4QY32P NOAA scientists pressured to back Trump’s false hurricane claims lnkd.in/dpSf_W-K National Weather Service dismantled. Climate research is being defunded, censored, and suppressed’
- Reposted by Alison SmithWe're thrilled to share that our paper ✨ Getting the message right on #naturebasedsolutions to climate change ✨ was the most-viewed article in #GlobalChangeBiology 2024! @globalchangebio.bsky.social 👉 Check it out here: www.naturebasedsolutionsinitiative.org/news/nbsi-re... @eci-bio.bsky.social
- Reposted by Alison SmithSo Starmer & Reeves want to wave through the #Rosebank oil & gas field—'because they said they would'. www.ft.com/content/f4c0... Three responses to this - a short thread🧵👇
- Blog: our new paper on a menu of Green Infrastructure Standards for England that meets Natural England's 15 Principles www.agile-initiative.ox.ac.uk/news/menu-of... @ecioxford.bsky.social @naturebasedsols.bsky.social @naturerecovery.bsky.social @oxfordgeography.bsky.social @ianmell.bsky.social
- Our new open-access paper: a core menu of standards for Green Infrastructure in England that is accessible, multi-functional, connected and balances local needs with national targets www.frontiersin.org/journals/env... @naturerecovery.bsky.social @naturebasedsols.bsky.social @ianmell.bsky.social
- Reposted by Alison Smith🌱 Organic farming boosts soil health, biodiversity, and cuts carbon emissions. We’re backing the call for 10% of England’s farmland to go organic, working with farmers to protect landscapes and build a healthier, greener future.
- Our new open-access paper: a core menu of standards for Green Infrastructure in England that is accessible, multi-functional, connected and balances local needs with national targets www.frontiersin.org/journals/env... @naturerecovery.bsky.social @naturebasedsols.bsky.social @ianmell.bsky.social
- Reposted by Alison Smith"Reduction in carbon intensity of electricity means that an EV now has lifecycle CO2 savings of 70% over a petrol car, up from only 50% in 2014... a household using a heat pump instead of a gas boiler is now cutting its heat-related CO2 emissions by 84% per year, rather than only 45% in 2014"
- Reposted by Alison SmithA memorable event thanks to @eci-bio.bsky.social @andyheald.bsky.social and all the other speakers, poets and musicians.
- Breaking down the silos: How to dismantle the barriers to integrated landscape management. Excellent synopsis of SEDA Land’s “Solving the Land-Use Jigsaw” event at Go Falkland by Dr Alison Smith (@eci-bio.bsky.social) @andyheald.bsky.social 📽️ Full video of event here: youtu.be/8TxnHG9JwU8?...
- Reposted by Alison SmithOn a day when house building is in the news, we publish a new report - LOST NATURE. In it, we asked if housing developers have been delivering their ecological commitments. Answer: NO. Read the report here: wildjustice.org.uk/general/lost... 1/8
- Reposted by Alison Smith
"Essentially what this boils down to is that we have to continue polluting and destroying the environment in order to save it." A razor-sharp climate reality op-ed by Karen Ciesielski, precisely skewering the pathetic greenwashing of so many business leaders. www.irishtimes.com/environment/... - Reposted by Alison SmithNow THIS is quite concerning, to say the least. #environment 40 per cent of the world's soil is already degraded, but the problem could get much worse. Soil degradation threatens food supply and scientists are calling for action
- Reposted by Alison SmithHear hear 👏👏
- Reposted by Alison SmithMust read statment from @batconservation.bsky.social ⬇️ www.bats.org.uk/news/2024/12...
- I am taking the flight free challenge again this year - so much easier in the era of online meetings and conferences. #FlightFree2025 @flightfreeuk.bsky.social www.flightfree.co.uk
- Reposted by Alison SmithA shocking new report out today by @wildjustice.bsky.social @kierachapman.bsky.social @malcolmtait.bsky.social & Sarah Postlethwaite finds ONLY 53% of on-site #environmental measures legally secured through the development process are delivered in reality. Read the summary here: bit.ly/4iw5iji
- Reposted by Alison Smith🎄CHRISTMAS CRACKER 🎄 Advancing nature-based solutions through enhanced #soil health monitoring in the United Kingdom Giuliani, Warner, Campbell, Lynch, Smith and Smith #soilscience #soils @statog91.bsky.social @uniofaberdeen.bsky.social @ox.ac.uk @eci-bio.bsky.social doi.org/10.1111/sum....
- Reposted by Alison Smith🌱How can we monitor #SoilHealth for #NbS? 🌱 Though critical for successful #naturebasedsolutions, many projects fail to integrate soil health Explore the new review & metrics tool ➡️ www.naturebasedsolutionsinitiative.org/news/how-can... @uniofaberdeen.bsky.social @eci-bio.bsky.social
- Our new paper! Advancing nature‐based solutions through soil health monitoring in the UK bsssjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/... by Licida Giuliani @uniofaberdeen.bsky.social @oxmartinschool.bsky.social @naturebasedsols.bsky.social @ecioxford.bsky.social @naturerecovery.bsky.social
- Are radical changes to lifestyles necessary for mitigating climate change? Great insights in this open access piece by @samhampton.bsky.social and Lorraine Whitmarsh journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10....
- Reposted by Alison SmithGet the real story behind #COP16 with our delegation’s Debrief! Headlines rarely capture the full complexity of what happens, but in this video we discuss key moments, outcomes, & behind-the-scenes conversations that shaped COP16. @ecioxford.bsky.social @oxfordbiology.bsky.social
- Reposted by Alison SmithWe are so excited to have welcomed Dr Wenjing (Wendee) Zhang to our team at @oxfordgeography.bsky.social and @naturerecovery.bsky.social. Wendee's research will investigate the co-benefits of green infrastructure on mental health for the UK & Global South. www.oxfordecosystems.org/post/from-gr...
- Nature-based Solutions can deliver strong economic benefits if implemented with integrity - our recent paper in @plos.bsky.social www.naturebasedsolutionsinitiative.org/news/economi...
- Reposted by Alison SmithOxfordshire's Local Nature Recovery Strategy is out for consultation. Have your say and find out more letstalk.oxfordshire.gov.uk/lnrs-phase3-...
- Reposted by Alison SmithThe amazing Strawberry Hill farm has been saved after BCN Wildlife Trust raised £1.5 million. Thanks so much to everyone who read my story, spread the word and donated. Please visit this beautiful place and take heart: together we can do great things. www.theguardian.com/environment/...
