UCL Climate Action Unit: Market Research Report

Background

Overview

The UCL Climate Action Unit (CAU) is an interdisciplinary team based at University College London, dedicated to accelerating climate action and facilitating the transition to a net-zero society. Established in 2019, the CAU integrates expertise from neuroscience, psychology, science communication, and facilitation to address the human and organizational barriers to effective climate action.

Mission and Vision

The CAU's mission is to transform how scientists, policymakers, businesses, media, civil society organizations, and citizens engage with each other on climate change. By leveraging insights from neuroscience and psychology, the unit aims to empower individuals and organizations to overcome obstacles to climate action, fostering a society capable of decisive and effective responses to climate challenges.

Primary Area of Focus

The CAU focuses on three major themes:

• Climate Action: Equipping individuals and organizations with the skills and insights to implement meaningful climate action.

• Climate Risk: Enhancing the integration of climate risk information into decision-making processes across various sectors.

• Climate Stories: Developing and promoting narratives that inspire and mobilize action on climate change.

Industry Significance

As a leading academic institution, UCL's Climate Action Unit plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between scientific research and practical climate solutions. By addressing the psychological and social dimensions of climate change, the CAU contributes to more effective and widespread adoption of climate mitigation and adaptation strategies.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

• Capacity Building: Enhancing the ability of individuals and organizations to engage in and lead climate action initiatives.

• Cross-Sector Collaboration: Facilitating partnerships between diverse stakeholders to co-create solutions to complex climate challenges.

• Evidence-Based Decision Making: Integrating scientific insights into policy and business decisions to drive effective climate action.

Areas of Specialization

• Behavioral Science: Applying principles from neuroscience and psychology to understand and influence climate-related behaviors.

• Facilitation and Communication: Designing and leading workshops and interventions that promote collaboration and action on climate issues.

• Climate Policy and Risk Assessment: Providing expertise in assessing and communicating climate risks to inform policy and business strategies.

Key Technologies Utilized

• Data Analytics: Utilizing data-driven approaches to assess climate risks and measure the effectiveness of interventions.

• Digital Platforms: Developing online tools and resources to support climate education and action.

• Simulation and Modeling: Creating immersive experiences to explore climate scenarios and decision-making processes.

Primary Markets and Conditions Targeted

• Educational Institutions: Implementing climate action plans in schools and universities.

• Government Bodies: Advising on climate policy and risk management strategies.

• Private Sector: Supporting businesses in integrating climate considerations into their operations and strategies.

• Community Organizations: Engaging local groups in climate adaptation and resilience planning.

Financials and Funding

As a unit within University College London, the CAU's funding is integrated into the university's broader financial structure. In the financial year ending 31 July 2024, UCL reported a total income of £2.03 billion, with £538.8 million from research grants and contracts. Specific financial details for the CAU are not publicly disclosed.

Recent Funding and Utilization

The CAU has secured funding through various grants and partnerships to support its initiatives. For instance, the unit is involved in the EU Horizon-funded 'Learning Ventures for Climate Justice' project, exploring the effectiveness of local learning ecosystems in engaging communities in climate-related activities. Additionally, the CAU co-delivers the Cohort 2040 Programme with the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), preparing future leaders for climate challenges. These funds are utilized to design and implement interventions, conduct research, and develop resources that facilitate climate action across various sectors.

Pipeline Development

Key Projects and Initiatives

• Climate Ambassadors Programme: Serving as the London Regional Hub, the CAU supports education settings in developing climate action plans, focusing on decarbonization, resilience, biodiversity, and climate education.

• Local Learning Ecosystems (LEVERS): Collaborating with European partners, the CAU equips stakeholders to collaborate in local learning ecosystems, enhancing community engagement in climate action.

• Transition Labs: Partnering with North Star Transition, the CAU establishes labs in various UK regions to tackle systemic barriers to sustainable development through cross-sector collaboration.

• PowerUp: Community Energy Academy: In partnership with the European Climate Foundation, the CAU delivers training programs for communications professionals in the community energy sector, supporting capacity building and strategy development.

Anticipated Milestones

• Climate Ambassadors Programme: Ongoing support for education settings to implement climate action plans, with a focus on achieving measurable reductions in carbon emissions and enhancing climate resilience.

• LEVERS Project: Continued development of local learning ecosystems across Europe, aiming to increase community engagement and action on climate change.

• Transition Labs: Implementation of systemic change strategies in targeted UK regions, with plans to expand to additional areas based on initial successes.

• PowerUp Academy: Expansion of training programs to include more community energy professionals, with a goal of fostering widespread adoption of sustainable energy practices.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

The CAU develops and utilizes various tools and platforms to support its initiatives, including:

• Immersive Decision-Making Simulations: Creating virtual scenarios to explore options for tackling specific climate-related issues, such as the 'Do What You Must' and 'Policy Pathways' projects.

• Climate Risk Metrics: Developing structured and user-centered approaches to designing metrics that better convey climate risk, based on lessons learned from the COVID crisis.

Significant Scientific Methods

• Behavioral Science Applications: Applying insights from neuroscience and psychology to understand and influence climate-related behaviors, enhancing the effectiveness of interventions.

• Facilitation Techniques: Employing participatory methods to engage diverse stakeholders in collaborative problem-solving and decision-making processes.

AI-Driven Capabilities

While specific AI-driven capabilities are not detailed in the available information, the CAU's focus on data analytics and simulation suggests the potential integration of AI technologies to model climate scenarios and inform decision-making.

Leadership Team

Key Executives

• Dr. Kris De Meyer: Director of the UCL Climate Action Unit and Senior Research Fellow in the Department of Earth Sciences at UCL. A neuroscientist and science communicator, Dr. De Meyer specializes in how people become entrenched in their beliefs and how to overcome this, bringing insights from neuroscience and psychology to the domain of climate change.

• Dr. Lucy Hubble-Rose: Deputy Director of the UCL Climate Action Unit and Research Fellow in the Department of Earth Sciences at UCL. An expert facilitator, Dr. Hubble-Rose specializes in helping people and organizations unpick the knotty problems associated with planning and delivering action on climate change.

• Freya Roberts: Project Manager at the UCL Climate Action Unit, overseeing a wide portfolio of projects and facilitating efficient internal operations.

• Annie Risner: Project Lead at the UCL Climate Action Unit, designing, facilitating, and analyzing workshops across various projects with communities and heritage organizations.

• Daniel Jonusas: Project Lead at the UCL Climate Action Unit, designing and implementing interventions across several projects on strategic climate risks.

• Dr. Jonathan Mille: Research Fellow in Climate Engagement at the UCL Climate Action Unit, delivering capacity-building training programs across Europe.

• Lochlann Atack: Regional Coordinator for the Climate Ambassadors project, supporting schools in impactful climate action planning.