Eliot Whittington
@whittso.bsky.social
Lead thought leadership as well as business convening and organising at the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership. Daydreamer, geek, husband, father.
Reposted by Eliot Whittington
Today's Budget won't be a disaster - a long way from it - and it will do some very important things like removing the two-child benefit cap.
It will also leave the structural predicament of the UK economy and state in place.
A fight for another day: the search for a sustainable model of growth.
It will also leave the structural predicament of the UK economy and state in place.
A fight for another day: the search for a sustainable model of growth.
November 26, 2025 at 8:04 AM
Today's Budget won't be a disaster - a long way from it - and it will do some very important things like removing the two-child benefit cap.
It will also leave the structural predicament of the UK economy and state in place.
A fight for another day: the search for a sustainable model of growth.
It will also leave the structural predicament of the UK economy and state in place.
A fight for another day: the search for a sustainable model of growth.
Reposted by Eliot Whittington
Big fear for the Budget was the green transition.
✅ Heat pump funding remains.
✅ VAT remains on gas.
✅ Support for EVs extended.
✅ Renewable charges removed from electricity.
🤷🏻♂️ EV per-mile charge - barrier to entry as in NZ?
🤷🏻♂️ North Sea drilling
🤷🏻♂️ Fuel duty increase. U-turn likely?
Ok overall.
✅ Heat pump funding remains.
✅ VAT remains on gas.
✅ Support for EVs extended.
✅ Renewable charges removed from electricity.
🤷🏻♂️ EV per-mile charge - barrier to entry as in NZ?
🤷🏻♂️ North Sea drilling
🤷🏻♂️ Fuel duty increase. U-turn likely?
Ok overall.
November 26, 2025 at 4:07 PM
Big fear for the Budget was the green transition.
✅ Heat pump funding remains.
✅ VAT remains on gas.
✅ Support for EVs extended.
✅ Renewable charges removed from electricity.
🤷🏻♂️ EV per-mile charge - barrier to entry as in NZ?
🤷🏻♂️ North Sea drilling
🤷🏻♂️ Fuel duty increase. U-turn likely?
Ok overall.
✅ Heat pump funding remains.
✅ VAT remains on gas.
✅ Support for EVs extended.
✅ Renewable charges removed from electricity.
🤷🏻♂️ EV per-mile charge - barrier to entry as in NZ?
🤷🏻♂️ North Sea drilling
🤷🏻♂️ Fuel duty increase. U-turn likely?
Ok overall.
Reposted by Eliot Whittington
Key chart for public services
Govt is back to pencilling in undeliverable plans to hit its fiscal rules
After taking out likely funding for protected areas, other departments will have to absorb 3.3% annual real terms cuts. That includes prisons, courts, and local govt, among others
Govt is back to pencilling in undeliverable plans to hit its fiscal rules
After taking out likely funding for protected areas, other departments will have to absorb 3.3% annual real terms cuts. That includes prisons, courts, and local govt, among others
November 26, 2025 at 3:59 PM
Key chart for public services
Govt is back to pencilling in undeliverable plans to hit its fiscal rules
After taking out likely funding for protected areas, other departments will have to absorb 3.3% annual real terms cuts. That includes prisons, courts, and local govt, among others
Govt is back to pencilling in undeliverable plans to hit its fiscal rules
After taking out likely funding for protected areas, other departments will have to absorb 3.3% annual real terms cuts. That includes prisons, courts, and local govt, among others
We’re an hour or two from the budget being delivered but if you want to read something about what it might and should include please do check out this piece from me www.sustainableviews.com/high-stakes-...
High-stakes Budget: can the UK meet the moment and shape its future?
Eliot Whittington is the chief systems change officer at the Cambridge Institute of Sustainability Leadership and director of CISL’s EU and UK Corporate Leaders Groups Chancellor Rachel Reeves can cho...
www.sustainableviews.com
November 26, 2025 at 9:55 AM
We’re an hour or two from the budget being delivered but if you want to read something about what it might and should include please do check out this piece from me www.sustainableviews.com/high-stakes-...
Reposted by Eliot Whittington
Cutting home insulation funding will imperil UK’s climate goals, Reeves told
Cutting home insulation funding will imperil UK’s climate goals, Reeves told
Energy firms and charities urge chancellor to avoid short-term fix that could also harm low-income households
Rachel Reeves has been told that cutting funding for home insulation at the budget would risk the UK’s climate goals and hurt low-income households in a joint intervention by energy firms, fuel poverty charities and environmental groups.
In a letter to the chancellor, more than 60 groups and companies urged Reeves not to take such a damaging “short-term fix” to slash funding for more energy-efficient homes to pay for a reduction in energy bills. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
November 8, 2025 at 6:07 AM
Cutting home insulation funding will imperil UK’s climate goals, Reeves told
Reposted by Eliot Whittington
🌍 “Multilateral agreements are difficult but this was a process that really mattered"
Listen Eliot Whittington on why #COP30 still matters Times Radio 👉https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6I5P7svqOKg&feature=youtu.be&utm_source=hootsuite
Listen Eliot Whittington on why #COP30 still matters Times Radio 👉https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6I5P7svqOKg&feature=youtu.be&utm_source=hootsuite
November 25, 2025 at 12:48 PM
🌍 “Multilateral agreements are difficult but this was a process that really mattered"
Listen Eliot Whittington on why #COP30 still matters Times Radio 👉https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6I5P7svqOKg&feature=youtu.be&utm_source=hootsuite
Listen Eliot Whittington on why #COP30 still matters Times Radio 👉https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6I5P7svqOKg&feature=youtu.be&utm_source=hootsuite
Reposted by Eliot Whittington
Properly moving xkcd
xkcd.com/3172/
xkcd.com/3172/
Fifteen Years
xkcd.com
November 24, 2025 at 10:51 PM
Properly moving xkcd
xkcd.com/3172/
xkcd.com/3172/
Excellent essay
I flew to Canada this week to go to a Paul McCartney concert and I wrote about it here:
open.substack.com/pub/naomiald...
open.substack.com/pub/naomiald...
going through hell, keeping going
on art, grief, and the emotional heroism of just bloody keeping on making your work
open.substack.com
November 23, 2025 at 1:02 PM
Excellent essay
Reposted by Eliot Whittington
Start your Sunday off right and read this. There is also music sprinkled in to listen to!
I flew to Canada this week to go to a Paul McCartney concert and I wrote about it here:
open.substack.com/pub/naomiald...
open.substack.com/pub/naomiald...
going through hell, keeping going
on art, grief, and the emotional heroism of just bloody keeping on making your work
open.substack.com
November 23, 2025 at 12:54 PM
Start your Sunday off right and read this. There is also music sprinkled in to listen to!
Reposted by Eliot Whittington
that's not 'he's just a cheery chap to whom nothing bad has ever happened'. that's incredible emotional discipline, to force yourself not to give in to despair. he's a grafter, is the thing, he just keeps on working. sing-songs in a Japanese prison!
November 23, 2025 at 10:19 AM
that's not 'he's just a cheery chap to whom nothing bad has ever happened'. that's incredible emotional discipline, to force yourself not to give in to despair. he's a grafter, is the thing, he just keeps on working. sing-songs in a Japanese prison!
Reposted by Eliot Whittington
The pre-Budget messaging on climate policy has been so confusing.
Extra money for EV subsidies, but a pay-per-mile charge that doesn’t hit fossil fuel cars? Limiting cycle-to-work schemes?
Maybe slash fuel poverty funding, maybe cut heat pump subsidies?
It has made the industry very nervous.
Extra money for EV subsidies, but a pay-per-mile charge that doesn’t hit fossil fuel cars? Limiting cycle-to-work schemes?
Maybe slash fuel poverty funding, maybe cut heat pump subsidies?
It has made the industry very nervous.
Reeves to announce £1.5bn boost in EV subsidies amid pay-per-mile concerns
Reeves to announce £1.5bn boost in EV subsidies amid pay-per-mile concerns
Industry experts welcome extra incentives but fear a consultation on a mileage tax sends mixed messages
Drivers will be able to claim government subsidies to cut the cost of buying a new electric car until 2030 under plans to be announced by Rachel Reeves at next week’s budget.
The chancellor will unveil an extra £1.3bn for subsidies for new electric vehicles (EVs) and a further £200m for charging points, as she attempts to prevent the market for clean cars drying up amid concerns about a new pay-per-mile tax. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
November 23, 2025 at 8:55 AM
The pre-Budget messaging on climate policy has been so confusing.
Extra money for EV subsidies, but a pay-per-mile charge that doesn’t hit fossil fuel cars? Limiting cycle-to-work schemes?
Maybe slash fuel poverty funding, maybe cut heat pump subsidies?
It has made the industry very nervous.
Extra money for EV subsidies, but a pay-per-mile charge that doesn’t hit fossil fuel cars? Limiting cycle-to-work schemes?
Maybe slash fuel poverty funding, maybe cut heat pump subsidies?
It has made the industry very nervous.
Great thread
This week the government announced that it wanted to ensure development next to train stations gets an automatic yes.
There’s one area near London where that won’t be happening.
And it’s home to a motorway that will soon be – by law – beautiful.
There’s one area near London where that won’t be happening.
And it’s home to a motorway that will soon be – by law – beautiful.
November 23, 2025 at 9:37 AM
Great thread
Reposted by Eliot Whittington
Play the man’s horse game what is wrong with you
Play my horse game u sods
Yesterday I updated my first (and very silly) choose your own adventure game "i will strangle a horse"!
The update brought the wordcount from 7660 to 13500+, and introduced:
>ladder amnesia!
>consequences for knocking on The Farmhouse door!
>stardew valley*
>MORE
brainmage.itch.io/i-will-stran...
The update brought the wordcount from 7660 to 13500+, and introduced:
>ladder amnesia!
>consequences for knocking on The Farmhouse door!
>stardew valley*
>MORE
brainmage.itch.io/i-will-stran...
November 22, 2025 at 3:35 PM
Play the man’s horse game what is wrong with you
Reposted by Eliot Whittington
Join the Society's Climate Change Research Group for an online expert panel discussion 🎦👏
'COP 30: what just happened?' will take place on Tuesday 25 November, featuring contributions from Eliot Whittington, Anna Aberg and Angus McNelly.
Register to attend 👉 https://bit.ly/4pfZs8m
'COP 30: what just happened?' will take place on Tuesday 25 November, featuring contributions from Eliot Whittington, Anna Aberg and Angus McNelly.
Register to attend 👉 https://bit.ly/4pfZs8m
COP 30: what just happened?
An expert panel discussion to address the details, outcomes, expectations as well as critique of COP 30 in Belém, Brazil.
ow.ly
November 19, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Join the Society's Climate Change Research Group for an online expert panel discussion 🎦👏
'COP 30: what just happened?' will take place on Tuesday 25 November, featuring contributions from Eliot Whittington, Anna Aberg and Angus McNelly.
Register to attend 👉 https://bit.ly/4pfZs8m
'COP 30: what just happened?' will take place on Tuesday 25 November, featuring contributions from Eliot Whittington, Anna Aberg and Angus McNelly.
Register to attend 👉 https://bit.ly/4pfZs8m
Reposted by Eliot Whittington
I don't think we should have every scenario that we assess being a scenario where emissions go down.
We are not heading for the super high-end SSP5-85, but that does not mean emissions are following SSP2-45 as many assume.
We need to explore the uncertainties on where we are heading much more.
5/
We are not heading for the super high-end SSP5-85, but that does not mean emissions are following SSP2-45 as many assume.
We need to explore the uncertainties on where we are heading much more.
5/
November 17, 2025 at 8:53 AM
I don't think we should have every scenario that we assess being a scenario where emissions go down.
We are not heading for the super high-end SSP5-85, but that does not mean emissions are following SSP2-45 as many assume.
We need to explore the uncertainties on where we are heading much more.
5/
We are not heading for the super high-end SSP5-85, but that does not mean emissions are following SSP2-45 as many assume.
We need to explore the uncertainties on where we are heading much more.
5/
Reposted by Eliot Whittington
Other points:
* The IEA should have found another name, "Reversed Policies Scenario" or "Stalled Policies Scenario"?
* Have we, at a statistical significant level, deviated from the IEA pre-Paris baseline?
* The CPS is not that different to the STEPS...
6/6
* The IEA should have found another name, "Reversed Policies Scenario" or "Stalled Policies Scenario"?
* Have we, at a statistical significant level, deviated from the IEA pre-Paris baseline?
* The CPS is not that different to the STEPS...
6/6
November 17, 2025 at 8:53 AM
Other points:
* The IEA should have found another name, "Reversed Policies Scenario" or "Stalled Policies Scenario"?
* Have we, at a statistical significant level, deviated from the IEA pre-Paris baseline?
* The CPS is not that different to the STEPS...
6/6
* The IEA should have found another name, "Reversed Policies Scenario" or "Stalled Policies Scenario"?
* Have we, at a statistical significant level, deviated from the IEA pre-Paris baseline?
* The CPS is not that different to the STEPS...
6/6
Reposted by Eliot Whittington
🌱 Spain’s community energy revolution is spreading!
From Taradell to Galicia, cooperatives are providing cheap, clean electricity to homes, including low-income families, while promoting local ownership and fighting fuel poverty.
We love to see a community-led energy transition 🤩
From Taradell to Galicia, cooperatives are providing cheap, clean electricity to homes, including low-income families, while promoting local ownership and fighting fuel poverty.
We love to see a community-led energy transition 🤩
‘We’re proud to be pioneers’: inside Spain’s community energy revolution
From Taradell to Galicia, cooperatives are supplying cheap, clean electricity to homes and helping tackle fuel poverty
www.theguardian.com
November 14, 2025 at 9:53 AM
🌱 Spain’s community energy revolution is spreading!
From Taradell to Galicia, cooperatives are providing cheap, clean electricity to homes, including low-income families, while promoting local ownership and fighting fuel poverty.
We love to see a community-led energy transition 🤩
From Taradell to Galicia, cooperatives are providing cheap, clean electricity to homes, including low-income families, while promoting local ownership and fighting fuel poverty.
We love to see a community-led energy transition 🤩
Reposted by Eliot Whittington
Have been saying this for ages. An as yet undetermined % of Tory voters are anxious about Farage / Reform. How they vote at the next GE could determine the outcome.
November 15, 2025 at 1:57 PM
Have been saying this for ages. An as yet undetermined % of Tory voters are anxious about Farage / Reform. How they vote at the next GE could determine the outcome.
Reposted by Eliot Whittington
Suppose we got more good news over the next few years, which I think is perfectly possible... What we seem to have learned is that it will quite quickly come under pressure to be used on tax or spend.
Now, as a voter I can quite see that as good. But it surely isn't what these bond buyers want 3/
Now, as a voter I can quite see that as good. But it surely isn't what these bond buyers want 3/
November 15, 2025 at 9:20 AM
Suppose we got more good news over the next few years, which I think is perfectly possible... What we seem to have learned is that it will quite quickly come under pressure to be used on tax or spend.
Now, as a voter I can quite see that as good. But it surely isn't what these bond buyers want 3/
Now, as a voter I can quite see that as good. But it surely isn't what these bond buyers want 3/
Reposted by Eliot Whittington
Facing three stakeholder groups - the gilts, the spending side, the tax side - the promise to prioritise fiscal stability has to mean that when some good news comes up, the first of these gets some priority. This week suggests it doesn't, compared to pressure on the other two 2/
November 15, 2025 at 9:20 AM
Facing three stakeholder groups - the gilts, the spending side, the tax side - the promise to prioritise fiscal stability has to mean that when some good news comes up, the first of these gets some priority. This week suggests it doesn't, compared to pressure on the other two 2/
Reposted by Eliot Whittington
Terrific, thought-provoking piece by @chrisdillow.bsky.social:
On incompetence
Much of our political culture is fundamentally incompetent.
chrisdillow.substack.com
November 15, 2025 at 1:18 PM
Terrific, thought-provoking piece by @chrisdillow.bsky.social:
It is actually quite stunning how dramatic the improvement in quality at @newstatesman1913.bsky.social has been since @tommctague.bsky.social took over.
The sign of quality of this piece by @pronouncedalva.bsky.social is that it was clearly written before the events this week but it holds up and still brings fresh insight
www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-...
www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-...
Does Keir Starmer realise how much trouble he's in?
The Prime Minister is facing a crisis of contempt among his own MPs
www.newstatesman.com
November 15, 2025 at 1:45 PM
It is actually quite stunning how dramatic the improvement in quality at @newstatesman1913.bsky.social has been since @tommctague.bsky.social took over.
www.cam.ac.uk/stories/COP3... Great overview of the Cambridge presence at #COP30
Cambridge at COP 30
Climate on the edge of the Amazon
www.cam.ac.uk
November 15, 2025 at 1:36 PM
www.cam.ac.uk/stories/COP3... Great overview of the Cambridge presence at #COP30
Reposted by Eliot Whittington
they did it
they actually managed to kick the can down the road again. amazing
www.politico.eu/article/fina...
they actually managed to kick the can down the road again. amazing
www.politico.eu/article/fina...
Final decision on fate of crumbling UK parliament delayed to 2030s
It’s a fire-hazard that’s prone to tumbling masonry — but fear of a public backlash is again delaying repairs to the world famous building.
www.politico.eu
November 15, 2025 at 1:20 PM
they did it
they actually managed to kick the can down the road again. amazing
www.politico.eu/article/fina...
they actually managed to kick the can down the road again. amazing
www.politico.eu/article/fina...
on.ft.com/49fMPW2 The 2mn barrel divide: IEA and Opec at odds over oil demand
The 2mn barrel divide: IEA and Opec at odds over oil demand
Widening gap between forecasts from IEA, Opec and EIA clouds oil market outlook
on.ft.com
November 15, 2025 at 1:25 PM
on.ft.com/49fMPW2 The 2mn barrel divide: IEA and Opec at odds over oil demand