The relationship between science and society is of growing importance. The science says, for example, that we must reduce carbon emissions in order to meet the challenge of climate change. But how societies can do this is another matter.

Richard Green is a social scientist, an economist to be precise, Professor of Energy Economics at the University of Birmingham. He reminds us that, if there is one thing that unites economists, it is that people and organisations respond to incentives. Thus if governments can create the right incentives, people and companies will reduce their carbon emissions.

Professor Green is also the Director of the Institute for Energy, Research and Policy. His  main research interests are in the economics and regulation of the electricity industry and energy policy.