Gemma Drake

Research Analyst

Gemma recently graduated with a degree in International Development. She is currently studying for an MSc in Sustainable Urbanism, which examines urban planning and urban design through a sustainability lens. “I’m passionate about addressing sustainability challenges in a holistic and pragmatic way. Zero Carbon Academy's diverse range of services targets many of the areas that need support if we are to transition to a liveable future. I’m excited to see the impact that the Academy makes.”

Gemma Drake

Gemma's Insights

In 2023, the UK produced an estimated 90TWh of renewable energy– enough to power its 28 million homes

The first ever Health Day at COP highlights the link between climate change and health

COP28 president says that there is “no science” backing up calls for a fossil fuel phase-out

The different energy outcomes that countries desire from COP28 negotiations

Colombia is the first Latin American Country to join the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty

The nine key COP28 priorities for the UK Government and the world

Octopus Energy partners with Bellway Homes to build 50,000 ‘Zero Bills’ homes by 2025

Patagonia will help repair 30,000 items of clothing each year at London’s new repair shop, contributing to greater circularity in the fashion industry

The implementation of environmental assessment regimes needs to improve to meet the UK’s environmental targets

Are B Corps out for 2024?

ZCA explainer series: solar energy

Has our road to net zero changed course over the last two years? The IEA’s ‘Net Zero Roadmap: A Global Pathway to Keep the 1.5C Goal in Reach’ shows some diversions, but ultimately they get us to the same destination

Biological research is under the microscope

Rosebank oil and gas field approved despite claims that burning its oil and gas could release the same annual emissions as 90 countries

ZCA explainer series: green growth vs. degrowth vs. a-growth

Time to change our methane metrics? The case for using GWP* when looking at the climate change impact of methane.

How the UK can capitalise on cleaner, greener steel

Sustainable Biomass for Britain: The 2023 Biomass Strategy reinforces a dedication to the energy source across power, heat and transport

Africa Climate Summit 2023 kicks off in Nairobi, centring on green growth and climate finance

Australia’s engineering skills shortage is having ramifications on its renewable energy plans

New peer-reviewed research finds that carbon offsets aren’t what they claim

Expert Interviews: Chris Oldham

Court cases and referendum votes against extractivism: under-represented groups have had recent wins in the battle against climate change

Circularity in cities: the case of Zurich

Which music festivals are hitting all the right sustainability notes?

With palm oil in 50% of consumer goods, how can we manage its impact on deforestation?

ZCA explainer series: what are green leases?

Earth Overshoot Day was on August 2nd this year. It would take 0.05 fewer earths to replenish the resources we have used this year compared to last year.

Progress made by the World Green Building Council is progress for the built environment

To densify or to not densify, that is the question

Where is the new built environment workforce? Examining the Skills for a Sustainable Skyline Taskforce’s new report on the built environment

Plans for hydrogen village trial fail in Whitby- How did we get to this point?

A gap in corporate spending on net zero and how regulation can save the day: examining Fidelity’s 2023 ESG Analyst Survey

ULEZ expansion given the green light

EU passes landmark legislation to help tackle the loss of biodiversity

Alternative urban agricultural practices happening in Brussels

The US says ‘no’ to climate reparations despite COP27 agreement

15-minute cities: a planning vision that has everybody talking

Understanding the Climate Change Committee’s ‘Progress in Reducing Emissions’ Report 2023

Change in the dairy industry is vital for cutting emissions, but what are the proposed solutions?