The Climate Change, Energy Policy and Sustainability Research Group brings together colleagues and external speakers to discuss current research and developments in climate, energy and sustainability. This semester’s event series addresses a range of contemporary challenges, including energy insecurity, debates over economic growth and sustainability, international climate negotiations, and the geopolitics of critical mineral supply chains.
The recent conflicts between Russia and Ukraine (2022 to Present) and Iran / Israel / USA (Feb 2026 to Present) have disrupted energy, food, and metals markets globally, which has had a broader inflationary impact and a recalibration of supply chains. There has not been a uniform impact on Global South countries - unsurprisingly net exporters have weathered these storms far better than net importers, and those with greater fiscal headroom and stronger governance have had more tools with which to mitigate the negative impacts. Many governments already were stretched following the COVID-19 recession and post-COVID inflationary shocks. Possible short to medium-term consequences for many Global South countries include increased borrowing, demand suppression leading to economic slowdown/recession, increased black market trading, greater political instability, increased emigration, and a de-emphasis of the climate leg of the Energy Trilemma.
About the event
This event is only for Westminster’s staff and students - no registration is required. It will take place at Regent Street, Room 252.
About the speaker
Steven Brann
Steven Brann is an energy advisor with a focus on LNG markets and infrastructure. He spent the bulk of his career negotiating long-term energy contracts and public-private partnerships in the Middle East, Africa and Europe. He holds a BA with high honours in Anthropology from Harvard College and an MBA with distinction from the London Business School
