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***This blog was written with the assistance of AI. We used an LLM to generate a first draft based on a transcript of the podcast interview. Using AI can be energy and water intensive, so we attempted to do this more sustainably using a green prompting approach. Full details of the prompt used are given at the end of the article. The final version of this blog was written with the assistance of humans - Simon Salvi, Nick Turner & Simon Doxford.*** The UK often highlights its success in reducing domestic carbon emissions. But are we measuring the right thing? This blog, based on a recent conversation with Professor John Barrett OBE, explains why the way we count our carbon emissions matters, and how consumption-based emissions may be the missing piece of the puzzle. Listen to the full interview here: Environment Deep Dive .   The UK has cut emissions but that is not the whole story The UK was the first major economy to halve its territorial carbon emissions between 1990 and 2022 while the economy grew 79% over the same period – a significant achievement. However, this headline figure only tells part of the story. As Professor John Barrett OBE explained in our recent podcast, territorial, or production-based emissions – which have halved – only count greenhouse gases released within the UK’s borders. However, the UK is a globalised, service-based economy that relies heavily on imported goods, including food, clothing, electronics and construction materials. If we only focus on where emissions are produced, we miss the emissions generated elsewhere, which ultimately support what we actually consume in the UK.   What are consumption-based emissions? Consumption-based emissions shift the emphasis from where emissions occur, to who consumes the goods and services that cause them. In simple terms, consumption emissions equal: Territorial emissions - emissions in our exports + emissions from our imports This means the goods we produce domestically, but sell abroad, are not included in our consumption-based emissions. The goods we buy from abroad, but don’t produce ourselves, are included. This covers the entire supply chain, including extraction, manufacturing and transport - wherever that takes place. For countries like the UK, this matters. Our territorial emissions have fallen sharply, but consumption-based emissions have declined much more slowly.   Why does this matter for climate change? Climate change is global issue – the driving factor is total atmospheric carbon emissions. The place where that carbon is emitted is less important. If domestic emissions fall (as they have done) while emissions-intensive imports rise, global emissions may not fall fast enough to meet our climate goals and to maintain a safe, liveable environment. Given the UK’s consumption-based emissions have also fallen, just far less quickly than our territorial emissions, this means that we have not offshored all our emissions. However, this does mean that future progress cannot rely only on domestic decarbonisation, especially as some big wins, such as grid decarbonisation, have already occurred or are well on their way.   Consumption and global inequality Incorporating a consumption-based carbon accounting system raises questions about fairness. High income countries tend to consume more carbon-intensive goods. Meanwhile, lower-income countries are often positioned at the start of supply chains, extracting materials or producing more basic goods while capturing limited long term economic benefit. Moreover, many of the countries least responsible for total global emissions are among the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Understanding who is consuming the goods generating emissions provides more nuance than looking at territorial emissions alone.   Is consumption-based accounting realistic for policy? As John emphasises, the UK already publishes official consumption-based emissions each year. These can be found on the gov.uk website . Countries like Sweden and the Netherlands publish theirs too – while Our World in Data  visualises it based on information from the Global Carbon Budget. So, despite the challenges in collecting the data, it is possible. These metrics do not have to replace territorial accounting, rather they complement it. They help policymakers answer different questions, like using multiple financial indicators to analyse an economy.   Reducing consumption does not mean reducing living standards Discussing consumption-based emissions can often veer into seemingly scary territory about behavioural change, and what that could mean for the way we live our lives. However, as John reiterated, reducing our consumption-based emissions does not necessarily remove choices as consumers, or lower our living standards. Consuming differently can make our lives: • Cheaper - for example through well-insulated homes • Healthier - for example through active and public transport options • More resilient - for example through durable, repairable products The takeaway The UK’s fall in territorial emissions is a real achievement, but it does not capture the full emissions associated with UK living standards and supply chains. Consumption-based emissions add that missing perspective by attributing emissions to the final demand for goods and services, wherever production occurs. Read together, the two measures give a more complete picture of the UK’s actual carbon footprint. The issue is complex and will require complex solutions across all aspects of society – including housing, transport, and energy. This will therefore require us to break down siloed thinking to effectively climate change – and as John noted our conversation, part of the challenge is not necessarily to try and oversimplify the complexity, but to embrace it. ***This article was written with the assistance of AI. Below is the prompt we used to generate a draft version, alongside some tips for more sustainable AI prompting: Task: I'd like a blog written based on this transcript - (add transcript) Example: Follow this blog as a style example- (add previous blog) Format: Max words XXX Scope: answer only the task above Exclusions: no explanations, no reasoning, no extra commentary   To minimise the compute time & energy use of AI consider these factors when prompting: ·         Plan your prompt and be clear about the task required – more and longer prompts generally equal greater computational demand and therefore greater energy use. ·         Limit the output - format, length etc. Be aware of the different energy demands of processing text (least demanding) versus images or video (many times greater). ·         Ask for just the result, not the thinking (unless you require this). Avoid requests like "step-by-step", "explain in detail", which result in deep reasoning. Instead use phrases such as "list steps concisely" or "give a high-level overview”.***

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The Civil Service Climate and Environment Conference is returning and we’re delighted to invite you. It is taking place on  Wednesday 25 th  March 2026  in person, online and at satellite locations across the UK!   Sophie Oakes outlines what to expect with some testimonials from last years conference. How to attend     In person: Leonardo Royal Hotel London Tower Bridge, 45 Prescot Street, London, E1 8GP    Online: join remotely with flexibility to dip in and out    Satellite locations: Edinburgh, Manchester (Salford), Plymouth and Cardiff        Please register  HERE   for either an in person, online or satellite location ticket using a Civil Service email.    In-person and satellite registration is open until 6pm on 13th March.  Online registration remains open until 20th March.  Whether you are working directly on these issues or are keen to learn more, we’d love to see you there!      As Will Stobbs (CSCEN Co-Chair and Conference Lead for 2024-25) reflected, last year’s conference was “an incredible success [and] brought together more than 1,000 passionate civil and public servants in London and at around 10 satellite locations.” These colleagues spanned across 88 departments and agencies to engage in sessions from climate and health to the circular economy and digital innovation. This success demonstrated an appetite for a forum that cuts across policy areas, professions and regions. At its heart, the conference is about creating space to learn from others across government and to feel a part of a collective effort to address some of the most complex challenges we face.   Feedback from last year’s conference shows just how valuable that space can be. Many attendees spoke about how refreshing it was to see what colleagues in other departments are working on, and how much they gained from hearing different perspectives:  “There are so many people involved in sustainability and climate across all departments and it was fascinating learning about things happening outside of my department.”  “I understand more about the breadth of experience in the Civil Service. It gave me opportunities to learn about things outside my core role and challenged me to think differently.”      Connecting for Growth     This year’s theme reflects a shift towards understanding how climate, environment and nature-based action can actively support sustainable economic growth, rather than being treated as an adjacent agenda.    Across the day, sessions will explore how innovation and collaboration can help embed climate and environmental thinking into everyday government activity, from infrastructure and transport to trade and adaptation planning.   This focus on connection and collaboration has resonated strongly with past attendees, many of whom described how the conference helped them see environmental and climate challenges more holistically:  “A key takeaway for me was putting many sustainability and environmental policy changes ‘in the round’ and seeing the broader interaction across policy domains.”  “What I learnt was more about how others were also solving problems – some of them being problems I wasn’t truly aware of.”  Building capability and confidence   Aside from sharing knowledge, the conference is also about reinforcing the role civil servants can play in driving change.  “Working for government means that I have agency. Every small positive environmental change I can make on the pathway to a greener world is significant.”  “Increasing ecological literacy across government means better decisions – because those decisions are grounded in evidence about the world we live in and how it’s changing.”  Rachel Kyte, the UK’s Special Representative for Climate, highlighted how the conference supports better decision-making across Whitehall:   “The CSCEN conference will increase everybody’s ecological literacy across Whitehall. The reason that’s exciting is […] it will mean the government will make better decisions – because it has more evidence about the kind of world we live in, a world that is being changed by climate change.”  From the inside: what makes the conference special   Emma Stirling, now Strategy Lead at CSCEN, recalls attending last year’s conference:   “I attended the CS Climate & Environment Conference for the first time last year, having originally not known much about the [Civil Service Climate and Environment] network. I thoroughly enjoyed my day - learning about a variety of topics including agriculture, natural hazards, and digital solutions. I also benefited from the speed mentoring which gave me useful insight for my own career. It was so well organised and the volunteers all really friendly - so much so that I joined to be a member after, then became a departmental champion and now I am proud to be a member of the committee. To see behind the scenes the effort that goes in to creating this is amazing - can't wait for the next one!”   That same sense of openness is felt by those who have since worked to shape the conference behind the scenes. Sarah Robinson, Conference Lead for 2026, shares her experience:   “I first became involved with CSCEN and the CS Climate + Environment Conference as part of the 2025 Conference Team, leading on the digital elements that helped bring the event to life, and being behind the scenes gave me a real appreciation for the creativity, coordination and sheer dedication that goes into delivering such a large and inspiring day. The buzz of watching everything come together was energising, and the passion of the volunteers and committee made me want to stay involved. That experience ultimately led me to step up as Conference Lead for 2026, and having seen first-hand the impact the conference has in bringing people together across climate, environment, policy and innovation. I’m excited to build on that momentum and help create another brilliant event for our network.”    Lydia Ison, who was part of the Conference Team for the 2025, reflects on the merit of satellite spaces for as many colleagues as possible to experience the conference together:  “I joined as a member of the Conference Team for the CS Climate + Environment Conference 2025, leading on the Satellite Watch Parties. The role involved coordinating regional watch parties across the country, enabling civil servants to watch the conference together. I really enjoyed seeing the value in bringing colleagues together to network, share ideas and opportunities. It was fun to see creative ideas, such as a clothes swap, to engage and inspire colleagues. It’s exciting to see the CS Climate + Environment Conference 2026 take shape and how it is building on the successes of previous years.”  Want to find out more?   You can explore the full agenda and session details on the CSCEN website:  Conference agenda   About the conference   For any questions regarding the conference, please don’t hesitate to contact us at  environment.network@energysecurity.gov.uk , using ‘2026 Conference’ in the subject line.  Contribute to the CSCEN Blog If you're interested in contributing to the CSCEN Blog, get in touch with us at environment.network@energysecurity.gov.uk . We'd love to hear your ideas!

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CSCEN Online style guide We’d like CSCEN Online to be a space for thought-provoking, professional discussions between colleagues. You can help with this by taking a moment to check spelling and grammar before you publish on the platform , whether that be an update to your profile, a post or a comment. We’ve also put together a short CSCEN Online Style Guide . Please take a few moments to read this before you publish on the platform - and check back regularly for updates! Spelling Please use UK spelling. For verbs that can end in -ise or-ize, please use the -ise ending. For example: analyse, organisation, utilise. Quotation marks We prefer single quotation marks. If you need to include a quote inside a quote, use single quotation marks first, with double quotation marks inside the initial quote. For example: ‘Scientists have reported a “green glow” around the red planet.’ Frequently used terms Here is our preferred spelling of a few terms and phrases. This list will be regularly updated. the Civil Service civil servants Covid-19 Defra the Fast Stream Fast Streamers Scottish Government Welsh Government For further guidance on publishing on CSCEN Online, please follow the advice in the A to Z Style Guide on GOV.UK: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/style-guide/a-to-z-of-gov-uk-style

Environment 101 'Environment 101' is our series of short and accessible videos which explain and explore the biggest issues in environmental policy. You can also find all our Environment 101 videos on our YouTube channel. Watch our YouTube Channel How to Organise a Volunteering Day | Environment 101 | CSCEN Volunteering is a rewarding way to give back to your community, learn new skills, and make a lasting impact. This video walks you through the simple steps to find a volunteering opportunity and use your volunteering leave. Climate Change, Energy and Environment Policy Hub | Environment 101 | CSCEN In 2024, the Policy Profession Unit launched the climate change, energy and environment policy hub as part of its Climate and Environment Career Anchor project. The project helps policy and non-policy professionals build expertise in climate, energy and environmental policy and provides a clear pathway for those who want to focus their career in this area. Understanding how climate affects weather | Environment 101 | CSCEN How does climate affect weather? In this video we explain the crucial link between weather extremes and our warming planet, and how a 1°C temperature rise is dramatically changing weather patterns worldwide. CSCEN Environment 101 explains and explores the biggest issues in environmental policy in short and accessible videos. Our latest video explores the link between climate and weather. Education and the Role of Young People | Environment 101 | CSCEN The Department for Education’s Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy sets out a transformative goal: to make the education sector in England a global leader in sustainability by 2030. This means embedding sustainability across every setting—from nurseries and schools to colleges and universities—impacting more than 16 million learners across the country. This Environment 101 gives an overview of the strategy and how it affects you. Climate, Environment and Law | Environment 101 | CSCEN This Environment 101 video provides an introduction to the Environment Act 2021. Watch if you'd like to know more about new laws to protect the environment and why they are necessary. Sustainable Finance Contracts for Difference | Environment 101 | CSCEN The UK's Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme is driving the shift to a greener economy by supporting renewable energy investment. But how does this innovative mechanism work, and what impact does it have on sustainable finance and climate goals? The Role of Local Government | Environment 101 | CSCEN Local governments have a key role in delivering climate change adaptation and mitigation. They face a number of challenges in delivering against key policies, as every region and community will experience climate change differently. This environment 101 explores priorities, progress and challenges at the level of local government. Climate Disinformation and Misinformation | Environment 101 | CSCEN Climate Disinformation is the deliberate spread of false information. In this Environment 101 we look at what the consequences are of climate disinformation and how you can spot it. CSCEN Environment 101 explains and explores the biggest issues in environmental policy in short and accessible videos. Digital Sustainability | Environment 101 | CSCEN Digital technology can help monitor and improve the climate and environment but it also comes at a cost to the environment. How do we balance the positives of digital technology against the negatives? CSCEN Environment 101 explains and explores the biggest issues in environmental policy in short and accessible videos. Our latest video explores the costs and benefits of the digital sector. Climate and the environment at an individual level | Environment 101 | CSCEN We all have an impact on the climate and environment we live in. But how can we as individuals act to be more sustainable in our daily lives? CSCEN Environment 101 explains and explores the biggest issues in environmental policy in short and accessible videos. Our latest video explores how the choices we make around food consumption can have a positive impact on climate and the environment. Enabling Green Choices With the UK's aims to reach net zero by 2050, enabling green choices is more important than ever. Watch our latest CSCEN Environment 101 video to learn more about what factors help encourage people to make greener choices and which sectors would have the most progress towards net zero targets. Unintended Consequences Explore how actions can have both positive and negative unintended consequences, examples of what this can look like, and steps than can be taken to measure and prevent negative unintended consequences where possible. Website: https://www.civilserviceenvironmentnetwork.org/ LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/civil-service-environment-network Twitter: @_csen Email: environment.network@energysecurity.gov.uk Feeding the Future Explore the urgency of achieving a hunger-free world by 2030 in this video. Discover how rising food insecurity, fuelled by conflict, Covid, and climate change, demands immediate action. UN Secretary-General's six-point plan calls for global collaboration in areas like sustainable policies, inclusive governance, and innovative solutions. As COP 28 approaches, we examine the pivotal role of discussions in shaping policies for a resilient and sustainable food future. Join the conversation for a world where no one goes hungry. Website: https://www.civilserviceenvironmentnetwork.org/ LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/civil-service-environment-network Twitter: @_csen Email: environment.network@energysecurity.gov.uk Conference of the Parties (COP) A brief history of the COP, key agreements, challenges and a forward look to COP 28. Website: https://www.civilserviceenvironmentnetwork.org/ LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/civil-service-environment-network Twitter: @_csen Email: environment.network@energysecurity.gov.uk Animal Tracking Animal tracking technology has progressed rapidly, allowing policy makers to create informed and effective legislation to preserve and promote wildlife. Website: https://www.civilserviceenvironmentnetwork.org/ LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/civil-service-environment-network Twitter: @_csen Email: environment.network@energysecurity.gov.uk Wild UK The recent BBC series ‘Wild Isles’ has shown the UK’s amazing range of species and habitats – across woodlands, freshwater, the ocean and grasslands. Despite the vast range shown, the UK is in fact one of the most nature depleted countries in the world. What policies are aimed at meeting halting this decline? Website: https://www.civilserviceenvironmentnetwork.org/ LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/civil-service-environment-network Twitter: @_csen Email: environment.network@energysecurity.gov.uk Environmental Threats in Space How does our pollution impact our solar system beyond planet Earth? What are the biggest environmental threats in Space? In the past few years, as globally we send more and more objects into space, it has become clear that the present pace of growth is unsustainable, and we sit on the brink of an environmental crisis. Space debris can have a myriad of negative impacts on climate and the environment, which need to be addressed urgently in order to use space sustainably and to support us with our climate and environmental goals on land. Website: https://www.civilserviceenvironmentnetwork.org/ LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/civil-service-environment-network Twitter: @_csen Email: environment.network@energysecurity.gov.uk Conflict and Disaster How do war and conflict impact the environment? What can we do to mitigate the harmful effects of war on the environment? Recent years have seen a marked increase in instabilities: political, societal, and environmental. From the floods in Pakistan, to the invasion of Ukraine, the risks posed by conflict and disaster which we are facing as a global community are more grave than ever. Environmental impacts of war will last decades and will have long-term and reverberating effects on the health of both ecosystems and people. Website: https://www.civilserviceenvironmentnetwork.org/ LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/civil-service-environment-network Twitter: @_csen Email: environment.network@energysecurity.gov.uk Green Utopia Earth in 2100 - a positive vision of the future? What will the world look like if we avert climate disaster? Futuristic transport, homes, jobs, economy, food, entertainment, shopping... Website: https://www.civilserviceenvironmentnetwork.org/ LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/civil-service-environment-network Twitter: @_csen Email: environment.network@energysecurity.gov.uk Schools and Universities How will environmental knowledge be taught in classrooms across the UK, what initiatives do we have to encourage young people's interest in these issues, and what is the role of technical education as a pathway to green jobs? Education and Skills: How will education aid us in the fight against climate change? How are we retraining workers for the green economy? What is the UK doing to create a new generation of climate leaders? Website: https://www.civilserviceenvironmentnetwork.org/ LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/civil-service-environment-network Twitter: @_csen Email: environment.network@energysecurity.gov.uk Work and Society How are green jobs created, why are they essential for reaching net zero, and how can social media be a tool for environmental education? Education and Skills: How will education aid us in the fight against climate change? How are we retraining workers for the green economy? What is the UK doing to create a new generation of climate leaders? Website: https://www.civilserviceenvironmentnetwork.org/ LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/civil-service-environment-network Twitter: @_csen Email: environment.network@energysecurity.gov.uk Trees and Forests: Policy What policies and forestry management processes are required to protect our trees and forests, including both traditional and cutting-edge techniques? Trees and Forests: Why are Trees and Forests important? Why should we protect them? How do we manage them to best preserve their benefits? Website: https://www.civilserviceenvironmentnetwork.org/ LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/civil-service-environment-network Twitter: @_csen Email: environment.network@energysecurity.gov.uk Trees and Forests: Ecology What is the ecological value of trees and forests, and what ecosystem services do they provide? Trees and Forests: Why are Trees and Forests important? Why should we protect them? How do we manage them to best preserve their benefits? Website: https://www.civilserviceenvironmentnetwork.org/ LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/civil-service-environment-network Twitter: @_csen Email: environment.network@energysecurity.gov.uk Trees and Forests: Biology What is the biological value of trees and forests, what role do photosynthesis and transpiration play, and what are the individual benefits gained from trees? Trees and Forests: Why are Trees and Forests important? Why should we protect them? How do we manage them to best preserve their benefits? Website: https://www.civilserviceenvironmentnetwork.org/ LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/civil-service-environment-network Twitter: @_csen Email: environment.network@energysecurity.gov.uk Climate Diplomacy Case Studies What are some examples of climate conferences, agreements, protocols, and failures to breakdown the different issues and opportunities in the field of climate diplomacy? Climate Diplomacy: What is Climate Diplomacy? Why are international agreements important to help our environment? What makes a convention successful or a failure? Website: https://www.civilserviceenvironmentnetwork.org/ LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/civil-service-environment-network Twitter: @_csen Email: environment.network@energysecurity.gov.uk