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The Science of Climate Change

Climate change is no longer a distant threat or just a possibility, it is now a reality for all of us. In this pathway, Kevin Trenberth, a renowned climatologist, delves into the science behind climate change. He first introduces the climate system, its main components and forces.

Tackling the Plastic Crisis

Plastic pollution is by far the biggest threat to our oceans and this remains an incredibly tough problem to solve. Plastic credits could potentially serve as one of the much needed solutions for this crisis.

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The Scale of the Net Zero Challenge

The price of meeting net zero is estimated to be between $100-150 trillion over the next 30 years. Regardless of this cost, we need to reach net zero before climate change does irreversible damage to the environment and the economy.

ESG, Sustainability and Impact Jargon Buster

ESG, sustainability, impact… they all just mean green, right? Not quite. Despite being used often interchangeably, there are distinct differences between these terms.

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Featured Pathways

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The Science of Climate Change

Climate change is no longer a distant threat or just a possibility, it is now a reality for all of us. In this pathway, Kevin Trenberth, a renowned climatologist, delves into the science behind climate change. He first introduces the climate system, its main components and forces.

Tackling the Plastic Crisis

Plastic pollution is by far the biggest threat to our oceans and this remains an incredibly tough problem to solve. Plastic credits could potentially serve as one of the much needed solutions for this crisis.

More pathways

Ready to get started?

Our Platform

Expert led content

+1,000 expert presented, on-demand video modules

Learning analytics

Keep track of learning progress with our comprehensive data

Interactive learning

Engage with our video hotspots and knowledge check-ins

Testing & certification

Gain CPD / CPE credits and professional certification

Managed learning

Build, scale and manage your organisation’s learning

Integrations

Connect Sustainability Unlocked to your current platform

Featured Content

More featured content

The Scale of the Net Zero Challenge

The price of meeting net zero is estimated to be between $100-150 trillion over the next 30 years. Regardless of this cost, we need to reach net zero before climate change does irreversible damage to the environment and the economy.

ESG, Sustainability and Impact Jargon Buster

ESG, sustainability, impact… they all just mean green, right? Not quite. Despite being used often interchangeably, there are distinct differences between these terms.

More featured content

Ready to get started?

Ready to get started?

Introduction to Electricity Markets

Introduction to Electricity Markets

Michelle Horsfield

25 years: Sustainable Finance

In this video, Michelle explores the intricacies of power markets and their sustainability implications in the context of global energy transitions. She delves into topics such as carbon intensity, life cycle assessment, and wider sustainability impacts, the video offers viewers a comprehensive understanding of the complex dynamics shaping the future of electricity markets.

In this video, Michelle explores the intricacies of power markets and their sustainability implications in the context of global energy transitions. She delves into topics such as carbon intensity, life cycle assessment, and wider sustainability impacts, the video offers viewers a comprehensive understanding of the complex dynamics shaping the future of electricity markets.

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Introduction to Electricity Markets

15 mins 51 secs

Key learning objectives:

  • Understand some of the basic and fundamental concepts of power markets

  • Outline the sustainability implications of major electricity generation types

  • Understand the significance of carbon intensity and wider sustainability aspects in assessing energy mix options

  • Explore the potential drivers of change in electricity markets

Overview:

Beyond the comfort electricity brings lies a scary reality - its generation from fossil fuels contributes significantly to global warming. As we explore power market concepts and the pros and cons of different electricity generation types, we uncover the complexities of achieving a sustainable energy mix. Sustainability considerations, including carbon intensity, life cycle impacts, and broader environmental and social concerns, are integral to shaping the future energy mix alongside regulatory, technological, and commercial factors. Adaptability and a nuanced understanding of these dynamics are essential for navigating the evolving landscape of sustainable power markets.

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Summary
What is the primary environmental concern associated with electricity generation from fossil fuels?

Fossil fuel-based electricity generation contributes significantly to global warming, accounting for about a third of the planet's total emissions. Rather than advocating for total avoidance of electricity use, we need to understand and minimise the impact of various generation options while balancing supply and demand in power markets.

What are some fundamental concepts within power markets relevant to sustainability considerations?

Concepts such as demand-supply matching, merit order, and levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) are crucial in understanding the dynamics of power markets and their implications for sustainability. The intermittency of renewable sources like wind and solar presents challenges in maintaining supply-demand balance, necessitating the use of peaking plants and strategic utilisation of renewable energy when available.


How do different electricity generation types compare in terms of their carbon intensity?
Carbon intensity, measured in grams of CO2 equivalent per kilowatt-hour, varies among different generation types, with renewables like wind and hydro exhibiting significantly lower carbon intensity compared to fossil fuels. Carbon intensity provides insights into the environmental impact of electricity generation but may overlook the broader life cycle impacts of different fuels, necessitating a comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) approach.

What broader sustainability aspects should be considered in evaluating energy mix options?

Beyond carbon intensity, considerations such as land use, habitat fragmentation, waste generation, and social and economic impacts play crucial roles in assessing the overall sustainability of electricity generation options.

What factors may drive changes in electricity markets?

Rising carbon emissions costs, regulatory interventions such as emissions trading schemes, and technological advancements in storage and renewable energy are key drivers shaping future electricity markets and energy transitions.

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Michelle Horsfield

Michelle Horsfield

Michelle Horsfield, an environmental scientist with a climate change specialisation, transitioned into the financial sector four years ago to apply her knowledge to the largest reallocation of capital in history, as the economy moves towards a lower carbon future.

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