
Professor Frans Berkhout
Assistant Principal (King’s Climate & Sustainability)
- Professor of Environment, Society, and Climate
Research interests
- Environment
- Geography
Contact details
Biography
Frans Berkhout is Professor of Environment, Society and Climate at King’s College London. He joined King’s in 2013 and was the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Social Science & Public Policy between 2015 and 2021.
In February 2023, Frans was appointed Assistant Principal (King’s Climate & Sustainability) to drive forward the pace of research, education and action, to enable societal transition to environmental sustainability as a whole-university strategic priority. He leads the university’s strategy to accelerate transformative multidisciplinary research and embed sustainability more deeply into King’s teaching, impact, partnerships and operations.
He was previously Director of the Future Earth programme, based at the International Council for Science (ICSU) in Paris, and Director of the Institute for Environmental Studies (IVM) at the VU University Amsterdam in The Netherlands. Before that, he held posts at SPRU (Science and Technology Policy Research), University of Sussex, and was Director of the UK Economic and Social Research Council’s Global Environmental Change and Sustainable Technologies programmes.
Frans holds a BSc in Geography (Leeds, 1983) and a PhD in Science and Technology Policy Studies (Sussex, 1989). He completed his post-doctoral research at Princeton University.
Amongst other advisory roles, Frans was a lead author in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)’s 4th and 5th Assessment Reports (2007 and 2014) and a member of the Social Science Panel of the Research Excellence Framework (REF 2014) of the Higher Education Funding Council for England.
He sits on the editorial boards of Research Policy, Journal of Industrial Ecology, Current Opinion on Environmental Sustainability, Environmental Innovation and Societal Transitions, Journal of Environmental Policy & Planning and The Anthropocene Review. He is also a Fellow of the Academy of Social Science and shared the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize as a member of the IPCC.
Frans’ early research was concerned with the economic, political and security aspects of the nuclear fuel cycle. Since then, his work has been concerned with science, technology, policy and sustainability, with a focus on climate change.
Research
- Systems innovation: the theoretical, methodological and empirical study of change in large socio-technical systems, including energy, transport, agro-food and urban systems. His work is informed by the history, economics and sociology of technical change and is concerned with understanding and informing ‘transitions’ towards more sustainable systems of provision. His recent work has sought to bridge between modelling, transitions studies and action research approaches to understanding transition processes, and to understand the mobility and wider influence of sustainability experiments.
- Climate change adaptation: research on the incentives, constraints and limits to adaptation by organisations and other social actors. His work is informed by behavioural organisational theory and policy studies, understanding that the adaptive capacity of actors is institutionally-situated. His interest flows from his work in the IPCC on ‘limits to adaptation’ and the application of a risk-based approach that he helped develop for the problem of ‘loss and damage’ in the UNFCCC. He is interested in developing approaches to specifying limits to adaptation that may inform novel approaches to the governance of losses suffered as actors reach such limits.
- Co-production of knowledge: sustainability science and research deals with deep and complex problems and aims to inform awareness and change. Environmental knowledge is distributed and changes in policy and practice are more likely when researchers and practitioners collaborate in producing knowledge. He has promoted and written about this more integrated approach to knowledge, and his current focus is through PATHWAYS, a Wellcome Trust-funded project aiming to improve urban health equity.
Frans has extensive research, research management and research training experience across a number of fields. His early research was concerned with the economic, political and security aspects of the nuclear fuel cycle and radioactive waste management. His more recent work has been concerned with science, technology, policy and sustainability, with a focus on climate change.
Teaching
PhD supervision
- Climate change adaptation: measuring effectiveness
- Limits to climate change adaptation: a risk approach
- Governance responses to ‘loss and damage’ as a result of climate change
- The geography of socio-technical transitions
- Linking analytical approaches for analysing socio-technical transitions
- Experimenting for sustainability transitions
Further details
Chiefs and floods: Hybrid governance and flood risk adaptation in Tamale, Ghana
Agyei-Mensah, S., Owusu, G. & Berkhout, F., 28 Nov 2024, Australian National University, Canberra: Global Water Forum.Research output: Book/Report › Report
Chiefs and floods: Hybrid governance and co-production of flood risk adaptation in Tamale, Ghana
Agyei-Mensah, S., Owusu, G., Awuni, C., Howard, B., Fuseini, I., Buytaert, W. & Berkhout, F., 10 Oct 2024, In: Journal of Environmental Policy and Planning. 26, 6, p. 656-672 17 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Social limits to climate change adaptation: temporalities in behavioural responses to climate risks
Berkhout, F., Dec 2024, In: Current opinion in environmental sustainability. 71, 10 p., 101471.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Can we close the flood adaptation gap? Exploring flood adaptation constraints and limits
Aerts, J. C. J. H., Bates, P., Botzen, W., de Bruin, J., Hall, J., van den Hurk, B., Kriebrich, H., Merz, B., Muis, S., Mysiak, J. & Berkhout, F., 16 Jul 2024, In: Nature Water. 2, p. 719-728Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Delayed, abrupt and unjust: An institutionalist perspective on limits to climate change adaptation
Berkhout, F., Dow, K. & Thomas, A., 7 May 2024, In: Climate Risk Management. 44, 100611.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Synthesizing the links between secure housing tenure and health for more equitable cities
Baumgartner, J., Rodriguez, J., Berkhout, F., Doyle, Y., Ezzati, M., Owuso, G., Quayyum, Z., Solomon, B., Winters, M., Adamkiewicz, G. & Robinson, B. E., 2023, In: Wellcome Open Research. 7, 18.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Strangers in a strange land: Mapping household and neighbourhood associations with improved wellbeing outcomes in Accra, Ghana
Cavanaugh, A. C., Baumgartner, J. C., Bixby, H., Schmidt, A. M., Agyei-Mensah, S., Annim, S. K., Anum, J., Arku, R., Bennett, J., Berkhout, F., Ezzati, M., Mintah, S. E., Owusu, G., Tetteh, J. D. & Robinson, B. E., Dec 2023, In: CITIES. 143, 104584.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Strangers in a strange land: Mapping household and neighbourhood associations with improved wellbeing outcomes in Accra, Ghana
Cavanaugh, A., Baumgarnter, J., Bixby, H., Schmidt, A., Agyei-Mensah, S., Annim, S., Anum, J., Arku, R., Bennett, J., Berkhout, F., Ezzati, M., Mintah, S., Owusu, G., Tetteh, J. & Robinson, B., 29 Sept 2023, (E-pub ahead of print) In: CITIES. 143Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Limits to adaptation: Building an integrated research agenda
Berkhout, F. & Dow, K., 16 Dec 2022, In: Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Climate Change. 14, 3, 20 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Synthesizing the links between secure housing tenure and health for more equitable cities [version 1; peer review: awaiting peer review]
Baumgartner, J., Rodriguez, J., Berkhout, F., Doyle, Y. G., Ezzati, M., Owuso, G., Quayyum, Z., Solomon, B., Winters, M., Adamkiewicz, G. & Robinson, B., 20 Jan 2022, In: Wellcome Open Research. 7, 18Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Loops and building blocks: a knowledge co-production framework for equitable urban health
Audia, C., Berkhout, F., Owusu, G., Quayyum, Z. & Agyei-Mensah, S., Jun 2021, In: JOURNAL OF URBAN HEALTH. 98, 3, p. 394-403 10 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Beyond Experiments: Embedding outcomes in climate governance
Sengers, F., Turnheim, B. & Berkhout, F., Sept 2021, In: ENVIRONMENT AND PLANNING C. 39, 6, p. 1148-1171 24 p., 2399654420953861.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
A relational view of climate adaptation in the private sector: How do value chain interactions shape business perceptions of climate risk and adaptive behaviours?
Canevari-Luzardo, L. M., Berkhout, F. & Pelling, M., Feb 2020, In: Business Strategy and The Environment . 29, 2, p. 432-444 13 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Understanding transition pathways by bridging modelling, transition and practice-based studies: Editorial introduction to the Special Issue
Hof, A., van Vuuren, D. P., Berkhout, F. & Geels, F. W., 21 May 2019, In: TECHNOLOGICAL FORECASTING AND SOCIAL CHANGE. 151, 119665.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Anthropocene futures and water security
Berkhout, F., 10 Apr 2015, Hydrological Sciences and Water Security: Past, Present and Future - 11th Kovacs Colloquium. Copernicus GmbH, Vol. 366. p. 31-33 3 p.Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference paper › peer-review
Experiments and beyond: An emerging agenda for climate governance innovation
Turnheim, B. J., Kivimaa, P. & Berkhout, F., 29 Mar 2018, Innovating Climate Governance: Moving Beyond Experiments. Turnheim, B., Kivimaa, P. & Berkhout, F. (eds.). Cambridge: Cambridge: Cambridge University Press., p. 216 26 p.Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › peer-review
Beyond experiments: Innovation in climate governance
Turnheim, B. J., Kivimaa, P. & Berkhout, F., 29 Mar 2018, Innovating Climate Governance: Moving Beyond Experiments. Turnheim, B., Kivimaa, P. & Berkhout, F. (eds.). Cambridge: Cambridge: Cambridge University Press., p. 1 26 p.Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › peer-review
Innovating Climate Governance: Moving Beyond Experiments
Turnheim, B. J. (Editor), Kivimaa, P. (Editor) & Berkhout, F. (Editor), 29 Mar 2018, (Accepted/In press) Cambridge: Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.Research output: Book/Report › Book › peer-review
Development aid and the diffusion of technology: Improved cookstoves in Kenya and Rwanda
Tigabu, A., Berkhout, F. & van Beukering, P., 1 Mar 2017, In: ENERGY POLICY. 102, p. 593-601 9 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Understanding the paradoxes of multi-level governing: Climate change policy in the European Union
Jordan, A., van Asselt, H., Berkhout, F., Huitema, D. & Rayner, T., 2015, Multi-level Governance: Essential Readings II. Bache, I. & Flinders, M. (eds.). Cheltenham: Edward Elgar, p. 444-67 23 p.Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › peer-review
The governance of adaptation: choices, reasons, and effects. Introduction to the Special Feature
Huitema, D., Adger, W. N., Berkhout, F., Massey, E., Mazmanian, D., Munaretto, S., Plummer, R. & Termeer, C. C. J. A. M., Sept 2016, In: Ecology And Society. 21, 3, 37.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Experimenting in the city: Unpacking notions of experimentation for sustainability
Sengers, F., Berkhout, F., Wieczorek, A. J. & Raven, R., 16 May 2016, The Experimental City. Evans, J., Karvonen, A. & Raven, R. (eds.). Abingdon: Routledge, p. 260 (Routledge Research in Sustainable Urbanism).Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › peer-review
Bridging analytical approaches for low-carbon transitions
Geels, F. W., Berkhout, F. & Van Vuuren, D. P., 25 May 2016, In: Nature climate change. 6, 6, p. 576-583 8 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Re-conceptualizing the Anthropocene: A call for collaboration
Brondizio, E. S., O’Brien, K., Bai, X., Biermann, F., Steffen, W., Berkhout, F., Cudennec, C., Lemos, M. C., Wolfe, A., Palma-Oliveira, J. & Chen, C.-T. A., Jul 2016, In: Global Environmental Change. 39, p. 318-327Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Plausible and desirable futures in the Anthropocene: A new research agenda
Bai, X., van der Leeuw, S., O'Brien, K., Berkhout, F., Biermann, F., Brondizio, E. S., Cudennec, C., Dearing, J., Duraiappah, A., Glaser, M., Revkin, A., Steffen, W. & Syvitski, J., 2016, In: Global Environmental Change. 39, p. 351-362Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Evaluating sustainability transitions pathways: Bridging analytical approaches to address governance challenges
Turnheim, B., Berkhout, F., Geels, F. W., Hof, A., McMeekin, A., Nykvist, B. & van Vuuren, D. P., Nov 2015, In: Global Environmental Change. 35, p. 239-253 14 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
European policy responses to climate change: progress on mainstreaming emissions reduction and adaptation
Berkhout, F., Bouwer, L. M., Bayer, J., Bouzid, M., Cabeza, M., Hanger, S., Hof, A., Hunter, P., Meller, L., Patt, A., Pfluger, B., Rayner, T., Reichardt, K. & van Teeffelen, A., Aug 2015, In: Regional environmental change. 15, 6, p. 949-959 11 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Adaptation opportunities, constraints, and limits
Klein, R. J. T., Midgley, G., Preston, B. L., Alam, M., Berkhout, F., Dow, K. & Shaw, M. R., Mar 2015, Climate Change 2014: Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability. Part A: Global and Sectoral Aspects. Contribution of Working Group II to the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Field, C. B., Barros, V. R., Dokken, D. J., Mach, K. J., Mastrandrea, M. D., Bilir, T. E., Chatterjee, M., Ebi, K. L., Estrada, Y. O., Genova, R. C., Girma, B., Kissel, E. S., Levy, A. N., MacCracken, S., Mastrandrea, P. R. & White, L. L. (eds.). Cambridge: Cambridge: Cambridge University Press., p. 899 45 p.Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › peer-review
Adaptation to climate change by business organisations
Berkhout, F., Dec 2014, Applied Studies in Climate Adaptation. Palutikof, J. P., Boulter, S. L., Barnett, J. & Rissik, D. (eds.). New York: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, p. 417-421 5 p. 46Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › peer-review
Transnational linkages in sustainability experiments: A typology and the case of solar photovoltaic energy in India
Wieczorek, A. J., Raven, R. & Berkhout, F., Dec 2015, In: Environmental Innovation and Societal Transitions. 17, p. 149-165 17 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Beyond Cockpit-ism: Four Insights to Enhance the Transformative Potential of the Sustainable Development Goals
Hajer, M., Nilsson, M., Raworth, K., Berkhout, F., Bakker, P., de Boer, Y., Rockstrom, J., Ludwig, K. & Kok, M., Jan 2015, In: Sustainability. 7, 2, p. 1651-1660 10 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Responding to adaptation emergencies
Hall, J., Berkhout, F. & Douglas, R., Jan 2015, In: Nature climate change. 5, p. 6-7 2 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
Functional evolution and accumulation of technological innovation systems: The case of renewable energy in East Africa
Tigabu, A. D., Berkhout, F. & van Beukering, P., 1 Oct 2015, In: Science And Public Policy. 42, 5, p. 614-631 18 p., scu073.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Framing climate uncertainty: socio-economic and climate scenarios in vulnerability and adaptation assessments
Berkhout, F., van den Hurk, B., Bessembinder, J., de Boer, J., Bregman, B. & van Drunen, M., Jun 2014, In: Regional environmental change. 14, 3, p. 879-893 15 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
The diffusion of a renewable energy technology and innovation system functioning: Comparing bio-digestion in Kenya and Rwanda
Tigabu, A., Berkhout, F. & van Beukering, P., 2015, In: TECHNOLOGICAL FORECASTING AND SOCIAL CHANGE. 90, Part A, p. 331-345 15 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Technology innovation systems and technology diffusion: Adoption of bio-digestion in an emerging innovation system in Rwanda
Tigabu, A., Berkhout, F. & van Beukering, P., Jan 2015, In: TECHNOLOGICAL FORECASTING AND SOCIAL CHANGE. 90, A, p. 318-330 13 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Sustainable Innovation Management
Berkhout, F., Jan 2014, The Oxford Handbook of Innovation Management. Dodgson, M., Gann, D. M. & Phillips, N. (eds.). Oxford: Oxford University Press, p. 290-315 16 p.Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter
GLOBALIZATION AND NUCLEAR-POWER - INTRODUCTION
BERKHOUT, F. & THOMAS, S., Aug 1992, In: ENERGY POLICY. 20, 8, p. 698-703 6 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Editorial › peer-review
STORING PLUTONIUM
BERKHOUT, F. & FELVESON, H., 29 Oct 1992, In: NATURE. 359, 6398, p. 769-769 1 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Letter › peer-review
PLUTONIUM - TRUE SEPARATION ANXIETY
BERKHOUT, F., DIAKOV, A., FEIVESON, H., MILLER, M. & VONHIPPEL, F., Nov 1992, In: BULLETIN- ATOMIC SCIENTISTS. 48, 9, p. 28-34 7 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
SECURING NUCLEAR-MATERIALS IN A CHANGING WORLD
BERKHOUT, F. & FEIVESON, H., 1993, In: ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT. 18, p. 631-665 35 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Literature review › peer-review
DISPOSING OF WEAPONS-GRADE PLUTONIUM
LYMAN, E., BERKHOUT, F. & FEIVESON, H., 13 Aug 1993, In: Science. 261, 5123, p. 813-813 1 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Letter › peer-review
ELIMINATING NUCLEAR WARHEADS
VONHIPPEL, F., MILLER, M., FEIVESON, H., DIAKOV, A. & BERKHOUT, F., Aug 1993, In: Scientific American. 269, 2, p. 4-49 46 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
A CUTOFF IN THE PRODUCTION OF FISSILE MATERIAL
BERKHOUT, F., BUKHARIN, O., FEIVESON, H. & MILLER, M., 1995, In: International Security. 19, 3, p. 167-202 36 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
The adoption of life-cycle approaches by industry: Patterns and impacts
Berkhout, F. & Howes, R., Jun 1997, In: RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING. 20, 2, p. 71-94 24 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Socio-economic scenarios for climate impact assessment
Berkhout, F. & Hertin, J., Oct 2000, In: Global Environmental Change. 10, 3, p. 165-168 4 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Editorial › peer-review
Technological regimes, path dependency and the environment
Berkhout, F., Apr 2002, In: Global Environmental Change. 12, 1, p. 1-4 4 p., PII S0959-3780(01)00025-5.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Socio-economic futures in climate change impact assessment: using scenarios as 'learning machines'
Berkhout, F., Hertin, J. & Jordan, A., Jul 2002, In: Global Environmental Change. 12, 2, p. 83-95 13 p., PII S0959-3780(02)00006-7.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Novel foods, traditional debates: framing biotechnology sustainability
Berkhout, F., Aug 2002, In: New Genetics and Society. 21, 2, p. 131-148 18 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Climate change and the UK house building sector: perceptions, impacts and adaptive capacity
Hertin, J., Berkhout, F., Gann, D. & Barlow, J., 2003, In: BUILDING RESEARCH AND INFORMATION. 31, 3-4, p. 278-290 13 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Research

King's Climate Research Hub
Studying climate change through the relationship between science, policy and culture, particularly in the developing world.

Climate & sustainability researchers at King’s
King's researchers working across climate and sustainability
News
59 teams across King's receive Sustainability Awards
The King’s Climate & Sustainability Awards 2024 celebrated the efforts that are making King’s a more sustainable place.

Exchanging ideas on key climate actions needed at COP28
Students, academics, staff and visitors came together to discuss priorities for climate action ahead of this year’s COP28 meeting of world leaders.

King's hosts the Centre for Ecology & Evolution symposium
The symposium was an opportunity for ecologists and evolutionary biologists from across London to share their research on the topic 'Climate change and...

International School for Government hosts European Capitals programme
Participants had the opportunity to witness the inner workings of government

New installation on the Strand will imagine a climate-positive mythical world
Acclaimed design studio Superflux and King’s Culture present 'The Quiet Enchanting', an installation inspired by King’s climate and sustainability research

Project to limit the impact of melting glaciers on nearby people and systems
A new research project led by King’s is working to better support the people and systems downstream of glaciers and limit the melting taking place due to...

Celebrating the King's community driving forward sustainability
Staff, students and alumni came together at the King’s Climate & Sustainability Awards 2023 to celebrate the efforts of those helping to make King’s a more...

"I'm not aware of any other Higher Education institution that has a dedicated Net Zero Centre like the one at King's."
MPs, policymakers and business leaders joined the launch of King’s Net Zero Centre this week.

CASCADE INQUIRY launched with an evening imagining hopeful climate futures
King’s researchers, artists, students, and the wider community gathered in The Exchange, Bush House to explore the power of imagination and collective action...

Professor Frans Berkhout appointed as Assistant Principal (King's Climate & Sustainability)
Professor Berkhout will lead a cross-university drive to rapidly scale King’s response to the climate emergency

Events

Sustainable academic travel: balancing global research with climate responsibility
This event will include a panel discussion and Q&A exploring how we minimise emissions from air travel, while improving diversity and equity in academia and...
Please note: this event has passed.

KCS Networking Event: Education for Sustainability Projects
KCS Networking Event on the Education for Sustainability Projects Fund
Please note: this event has passed.

The inter-university debate: Is there a role for offsetting in Higher Education?
Join this thought-provoking debate on the role of offsetting in Higher Education.
Please note: this event has passed.

Sustainability opportunities and challenges of AI
An insightful panel discussion on the connections between sustainability and artificial intelligence.
Please note: this event has passed.

King's Experts Series: Climate Change & Sustainability
The King’s Experts Series is a series of events exclusively for King’s alumni, this webinar will touch on some of the latest research on digital technology...
Please note: this event has passed.

The debate: Is there a role for offsetting in Higher Education?
Join this thought-provoking debate on the role of offsetting in Higher Education.
Please note: this event has passed.

Education for Sustainability: College-wide Challenges
This introductory session will serve as a platform to address broad questions regarding teaching, evaluation, and challenges in sustainability education.
Please note: this event has passed.

COP28: Time for actions not words
In the run up to the COP28 global climate summit, the Faculty of Social Science & Public Policy is hosting a stimulating and interactive evening centred...
Please note: this event has passed.

Climate Change: What can we do?
The AKC will be collaborating with the KCL Climate Action Society to present a Student-Academic-Activist led Panel discussing 'Climate Change: What can we do?'
Please note: this event has passed.

CASCADE INQUIRY: Exploring hopeful climate futures
Join King's Culture for a generative discussion introducing CASCADE INQUIRY, a new initiative by Superflux that imagines climate-positive futures.
Please note: this event has passed.
Features
Halfway to Change: Reflections on the first 6 months of King's Climate & Sustainability journey
Professor Frans Berkhout, Assistant Principal (King’s Climate & Sustainability), examines the first six months of the King's Climate & Sustainability journey

'Places without postcards' highlights impact of climate change around the world
The Faculty of Social Science & Public Policy has created a collection of ‘postcards’ from key places around the globe that tell an important story around...

Climate COP27: Do climate summits make a difference?
Professor Frans Berkhout asks the question: What do they climate summits achieve? And do they make a difference?

'Broader global perspective' needed to tackle climate emergency
The climate emergency: Do we need a whole new political economy?

Chiefs and floods: Hybrid governance and flood risk adaptation in Tamale, Ghana
Agyei-Mensah, S., Owusu, G. & Berkhout, F., 28 Nov 2024, Australian National University, Canberra: Global Water Forum.Research output: Book/Report › Report
Chiefs and floods: Hybrid governance and co-production of flood risk adaptation in Tamale, Ghana
Agyei-Mensah, S., Owusu, G., Awuni, C., Howard, B., Fuseini, I., Buytaert, W. & Berkhout, F., 10 Oct 2024, In: Journal of Environmental Policy and Planning. 26, 6, p. 656-672 17 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Social limits to climate change adaptation: temporalities in behavioural responses to climate risks
Berkhout, F., Dec 2024, In: Current opinion in environmental sustainability. 71, 10 p., 101471.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Can we close the flood adaptation gap? Exploring flood adaptation constraints and limits
Aerts, J. C. J. H., Bates, P., Botzen, W., de Bruin, J., Hall, J., van den Hurk, B., Kriebrich, H., Merz, B., Muis, S., Mysiak, J. & Berkhout, F., 16 Jul 2024, In: Nature Water. 2, p. 719-728Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Delayed, abrupt and unjust: An institutionalist perspective on limits to climate change adaptation
Berkhout, F., Dow, K. & Thomas, A., 7 May 2024, In: Climate Risk Management. 44, 100611.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Synthesizing the links between secure housing tenure and health for more equitable cities
Baumgartner, J., Rodriguez, J., Berkhout, F., Doyle, Y., Ezzati, M., Owuso, G., Quayyum, Z., Solomon, B., Winters, M., Adamkiewicz, G. & Robinson, B. E., 2023, In: Wellcome Open Research. 7, 18.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Strangers in a strange land: Mapping household and neighbourhood associations with improved wellbeing outcomes in Accra, Ghana
Cavanaugh, A. C., Baumgartner, J. C., Bixby, H., Schmidt, A. M., Agyei-Mensah, S., Annim, S. K., Anum, J., Arku, R., Bennett, J., Berkhout, F., Ezzati, M., Mintah, S. E., Owusu, G., Tetteh, J. D. & Robinson, B. E., Dec 2023, In: CITIES. 143, 104584.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Strangers in a strange land: Mapping household and neighbourhood associations with improved wellbeing outcomes in Accra, Ghana
Cavanaugh, A., Baumgarnter, J., Bixby, H., Schmidt, A., Agyei-Mensah, S., Annim, S., Anum, J., Arku, R., Bennett, J., Berkhout, F., Ezzati, M., Mintah, S., Owusu, G., Tetteh, J. & Robinson, B., 29 Sept 2023, (E-pub ahead of print) In: CITIES. 143Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Limits to adaptation: Building an integrated research agenda
Berkhout, F. & Dow, K., 16 Dec 2022, In: Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Climate Change. 14, 3, 20 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Synthesizing the links between secure housing tenure and health for more equitable cities [version 1; peer review: awaiting peer review]
Baumgartner, J., Rodriguez, J., Berkhout, F., Doyle, Y. G., Ezzati, M., Owuso, G., Quayyum, Z., Solomon, B., Winters, M., Adamkiewicz, G. & Robinson, B., 20 Jan 2022, In: Wellcome Open Research. 7, 18Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Loops and building blocks: a knowledge co-production framework for equitable urban health
Audia, C., Berkhout, F., Owusu, G., Quayyum, Z. & Agyei-Mensah, S., Jun 2021, In: JOURNAL OF URBAN HEALTH. 98, 3, p. 394-403 10 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Beyond Experiments: Embedding outcomes in climate governance
Sengers, F., Turnheim, B. & Berkhout, F., Sept 2021, In: ENVIRONMENT AND PLANNING C. 39, 6, p. 1148-1171 24 p., 2399654420953861.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
A relational view of climate adaptation in the private sector: How do value chain interactions shape business perceptions of climate risk and adaptive behaviours?
Canevari-Luzardo, L. M., Berkhout, F. & Pelling, M., Feb 2020, In: Business Strategy and The Environment . 29, 2, p. 432-444 13 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Understanding transition pathways by bridging modelling, transition and practice-based studies: Editorial introduction to the Special Issue
Hof, A., van Vuuren, D. P., Berkhout, F. & Geels, F. W., 21 May 2019, In: TECHNOLOGICAL FORECASTING AND SOCIAL CHANGE. 151, 119665.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Anthropocene futures and water security
Berkhout, F., 10 Apr 2015, Hydrological Sciences and Water Security: Past, Present and Future - 11th Kovacs Colloquium. Copernicus GmbH, Vol. 366. p. 31-33 3 p.Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference paper › peer-review
Experiments and beyond: An emerging agenda for climate governance innovation
Turnheim, B. J., Kivimaa, P. & Berkhout, F., 29 Mar 2018, Innovating Climate Governance: Moving Beyond Experiments. Turnheim, B., Kivimaa, P. & Berkhout, F. (eds.). Cambridge: Cambridge: Cambridge University Press., p. 216 26 p.Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › peer-review
Beyond experiments: Innovation in climate governance
Turnheim, B. J., Kivimaa, P. & Berkhout, F., 29 Mar 2018, Innovating Climate Governance: Moving Beyond Experiments. Turnheim, B., Kivimaa, P. & Berkhout, F. (eds.). Cambridge: Cambridge: Cambridge University Press., p. 1 26 p.Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › peer-review
Innovating Climate Governance: Moving Beyond Experiments
Turnheim, B. J. (Editor), Kivimaa, P. (Editor) & Berkhout, F. (Editor), 29 Mar 2018, (Accepted/In press) Cambridge: Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.Research output: Book/Report › Book › peer-review
Development aid and the diffusion of technology: Improved cookstoves in Kenya and Rwanda
Tigabu, A., Berkhout, F. & van Beukering, P., 1 Mar 2017, In: ENERGY POLICY. 102, p. 593-601 9 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Understanding the paradoxes of multi-level governing: Climate change policy in the European Union
Jordan, A., van Asselt, H., Berkhout, F., Huitema, D. & Rayner, T., 2015, Multi-level Governance: Essential Readings II. Bache, I. & Flinders, M. (eds.). Cheltenham: Edward Elgar, p. 444-67 23 p.Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › peer-review
The governance of adaptation: choices, reasons, and effects. Introduction to the Special Feature
Huitema, D., Adger, W. N., Berkhout, F., Massey, E., Mazmanian, D., Munaretto, S., Plummer, R. & Termeer, C. C. J. A. M., Sept 2016, In: Ecology And Society. 21, 3, 37.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Experimenting in the city: Unpacking notions of experimentation for sustainability
Sengers, F., Berkhout, F., Wieczorek, A. J. & Raven, R., 16 May 2016, The Experimental City. Evans, J., Karvonen, A. & Raven, R. (eds.). Abingdon: Routledge, p. 260 (Routledge Research in Sustainable Urbanism).Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › peer-review
Bridging analytical approaches for low-carbon transitions
Geels, F. W., Berkhout, F. & Van Vuuren, D. P., 25 May 2016, In: Nature climate change. 6, 6, p. 576-583 8 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Re-conceptualizing the Anthropocene: A call for collaboration
Brondizio, E. S., O’Brien, K., Bai, X., Biermann, F., Steffen, W., Berkhout, F., Cudennec, C., Lemos, M. C., Wolfe, A., Palma-Oliveira, J. & Chen, C.-T. A., Jul 2016, In: Global Environmental Change. 39, p. 318-327Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Plausible and desirable futures in the Anthropocene: A new research agenda
Bai, X., van der Leeuw, S., O'Brien, K., Berkhout, F., Biermann, F., Brondizio, E. S., Cudennec, C., Dearing, J., Duraiappah, A., Glaser, M., Revkin, A., Steffen, W. & Syvitski, J., 2016, In: Global Environmental Change. 39, p. 351-362Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Evaluating sustainability transitions pathways: Bridging analytical approaches to address governance challenges
Turnheim, B., Berkhout, F., Geels, F. W., Hof, A., McMeekin, A., Nykvist, B. & van Vuuren, D. P., Nov 2015, In: Global Environmental Change. 35, p. 239-253 14 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
European policy responses to climate change: progress on mainstreaming emissions reduction and adaptation
Berkhout, F., Bouwer, L. M., Bayer, J., Bouzid, M., Cabeza, M., Hanger, S., Hof, A., Hunter, P., Meller, L., Patt, A., Pfluger, B., Rayner, T., Reichardt, K. & van Teeffelen, A., Aug 2015, In: Regional environmental change. 15, 6, p. 949-959 11 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Adaptation opportunities, constraints, and limits
Klein, R. J. T., Midgley, G., Preston, B. L., Alam, M., Berkhout, F., Dow, K. & Shaw, M. R., Mar 2015, Climate Change 2014: Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability. Part A: Global and Sectoral Aspects. Contribution of Working Group II to the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Field, C. B., Barros, V. R., Dokken, D. J., Mach, K. J., Mastrandrea, M. D., Bilir, T. E., Chatterjee, M., Ebi, K. L., Estrada, Y. O., Genova, R. C., Girma, B., Kissel, E. S., Levy, A. N., MacCracken, S., Mastrandrea, P. R. & White, L. L. (eds.). Cambridge: Cambridge: Cambridge University Press., p. 899 45 p.Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › peer-review
Adaptation to climate change by business organisations
Berkhout, F., Dec 2014, Applied Studies in Climate Adaptation. Palutikof, J. P., Boulter, S. L., Barnett, J. & Rissik, D. (eds.). New York: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, p. 417-421 5 p. 46Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › peer-review
Transnational linkages in sustainability experiments: A typology and the case of solar photovoltaic energy in India
Wieczorek, A. J., Raven, R. & Berkhout, F., Dec 2015, In: Environmental Innovation and Societal Transitions. 17, p. 149-165 17 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Beyond Cockpit-ism: Four Insights to Enhance the Transformative Potential of the Sustainable Development Goals
Hajer, M., Nilsson, M., Raworth, K., Berkhout, F., Bakker, P., de Boer, Y., Rockstrom, J., Ludwig, K. & Kok, M., Jan 2015, In: Sustainability. 7, 2, p. 1651-1660 10 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Responding to adaptation emergencies
Hall, J., Berkhout, F. & Douglas, R., Jan 2015, In: Nature climate change. 5, p. 6-7 2 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
Functional evolution and accumulation of technological innovation systems: The case of renewable energy in East Africa
Tigabu, A. D., Berkhout, F. & van Beukering, P., 1 Oct 2015, In: Science And Public Policy. 42, 5, p. 614-631 18 p., scu073.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Framing climate uncertainty: socio-economic and climate scenarios in vulnerability and adaptation assessments
Berkhout, F., van den Hurk, B., Bessembinder, J., de Boer, J., Bregman, B. & van Drunen, M., Jun 2014, In: Regional environmental change. 14, 3, p. 879-893 15 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
The diffusion of a renewable energy technology and innovation system functioning: Comparing bio-digestion in Kenya and Rwanda
Tigabu, A., Berkhout, F. & van Beukering, P., 2015, In: TECHNOLOGICAL FORECASTING AND SOCIAL CHANGE. 90, Part A, p. 331-345 15 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Technology innovation systems and technology diffusion: Adoption of bio-digestion in an emerging innovation system in Rwanda
Tigabu, A., Berkhout, F. & van Beukering, P., Jan 2015, In: TECHNOLOGICAL FORECASTING AND SOCIAL CHANGE. 90, A, p. 318-330 13 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Sustainable Innovation Management
Berkhout, F., Jan 2014, The Oxford Handbook of Innovation Management. Dodgson, M., Gann, D. M. & Phillips, N. (eds.). Oxford: Oxford University Press, p. 290-315 16 p.Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter
GLOBALIZATION AND NUCLEAR-POWER - INTRODUCTION
BERKHOUT, F. & THOMAS, S., Aug 1992, In: ENERGY POLICY. 20, 8, p. 698-703 6 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Editorial › peer-review
STORING PLUTONIUM
BERKHOUT, F. & FELVESON, H., 29 Oct 1992, In: NATURE. 359, 6398, p. 769-769 1 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Letter › peer-review
PLUTONIUM - TRUE SEPARATION ANXIETY
BERKHOUT, F., DIAKOV, A., FEIVESON, H., MILLER, M. & VONHIPPEL, F., Nov 1992, In: BULLETIN- ATOMIC SCIENTISTS. 48, 9, p. 28-34 7 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
SECURING NUCLEAR-MATERIALS IN A CHANGING WORLD
BERKHOUT, F. & FEIVESON, H., 1993, In: ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT. 18, p. 631-665 35 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Literature review › peer-review
DISPOSING OF WEAPONS-GRADE PLUTONIUM
LYMAN, E., BERKHOUT, F. & FEIVESON, H., 13 Aug 1993, In: Science. 261, 5123, p. 813-813 1 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Letter › peer-review
ELIMINATING NUCLEAR WARHEADS
VONHIPPEL, F., MILLER, M., FEIVESON, H., DIAKOV, A. & BERKHOUT, F., Aug 1993, In: Scientific American. 269, 2, p. 4-49 46 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
A CUTOFF IN THE PRODUCTION OF FISSILE MATERIAL
BERKHOUT, F., BUKHARIN, O., FEIVESON, H. & MILLER, M., 1995, In: International Security. 19, 3, p. 167-202 36 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
The adoption of life-cycle approaches by industry: Patterns and impacts
Berkhout, F. & Howes, R., Jun 1997, In: RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING. 20, 2, p. 71-94 24 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Socio-economic scenarios for climate impact assessment
Berkhout, F. & Hertin, J., Oct 2000, In: Global Environmental Change. 10, 3, p. 165-168 4 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Editorial › peer-review
Technological regimes, path dependency and the environment
Berkhout, F., Apr 2002, In: Global Environmental Change. 12, 1, p. 1-4 4 p., PII S0959-3780(01)00025-5.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Socio-economic futures in climate change impact assessment: using scenarios as 'learning machines'
Berkhout, F., Hertin, J. & Jordan, A., Jul 2002, In: Global Environmental Change. 12, 2, p. 83-95 13 p., PII S0959-3780(02)00006-7.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Novel foods, traditional debates: framing biotechnology sustainability
Berkhout, F., Aug 2002, In: New Genetics and Society. 21, 2, p. 131-148 18 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Climate change and the UK house building sector: perceptions, impacts and adaptive capacity
Hertin, J., Berkhout, F., Gann, D. & Barlow, J., 2003, In: BUILDING RESEARCH AND INFORMATION. 31, 3-4, p. 278-290 13 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Research

King's Climate Research Hub
Studying climate change through the relationship between science, policy and culture, particularly in the developing world.

Climate & sustainability researchers at King’s
King's researchers working across climate and sustainability
News
59 teams across King's receive Sustainability Awards
The King’s Climate & Sustainability Awards 2024 celebrated the efforts that are making King’s a more sustainable place.

Exchanging ideas on key climate actions needed at COP28
Students, academics, staff and visitors came together to discuss priorities for climate action ahead of this year’s COP28 meeting of world leaders.

King's hosts the Centre for Ecology & Evolution symposium
The symposium was an opportunity for ecologists and evolutionary biologists from across London to share their research on the topic 'Climate change and...

International School for Government hosts European Capitals programme
Participants had the opportunity to witness the inner workings of government

New installation on the Strand will imagine a climate-positive mythical world
Acclaimed design studio Superflux and King’s Culture present 'The Quiet Enchanting', an installation inspired by King’s climate and sustainability research

Project to limit the impact of melting glaciers on nearby people and systems
A new research project led by King’s is working to better support the people and systems downstream of glaciers and limit the melting taking place due to...

Celebrating the King's community driving forward sustainability
Staff, students and alumni came together at the King’s Climate & Sustainability Awards 2023 to celebrate the efforts of those helping to make King’s a more...

"I'm not aware of any other Higher Education institution that has a dedicated Net Zero Centre like the one at King's."
MPs, policymakers and business leaders joined the launch of King’s Net Zero Centre this week.

CASCADE INQUIRY launched with an evening imagining hopeful climate futures
King’s researchers, artists, students, and the wider community gathered in The Exchange, Bush House to explore the power of imagination and collective action...

Professor Frans Berkhout appointed as Assistant Principal (King's Climate & Sustainability)
Professor Berkhout will lead a cross-university drive to rapidly scale King’s response to the climate emergency

Events

Sustainable academic travel: balancing global research with climate responsibility
This event will include a panel discussion and Q&A exploring how we minimise emissions from air travel, while improving diversity and equity in academia and...
Please note: this event has passed.

KCS Networking Event: Education for Sustainability Projects
KCS Networking Event on the Education for Sustainability Projects Fund
Please note: this event has passed.

The inter-university debate: Is there a role for offsetting in Higher Education?
Join this thought-provoking debate on the role of offsetting in Higher Education.
Please note: this event has passed.

Sustainability opportunities and challenges of AI
An insightful panel discussion on the connections between sustainability and artificial intelligence.
Please note: this event has passed.

King's Experts Series: Climate Change & Sustainability
The King’s Experts Series is a series of events exclusively for King’s alumni, this webinar will touch on some of the latest research on digital technology...
Please note: this event has passed.

The debate: Is there a role for offsetting in Higher Education?
Join this thought-provoking debate on the role of offsetting in Higher Education.
Please note: this event has passed.

Education for Sustainability: College-wide Challenges
This introductory session will serve as a platform to address broad questions regarding teaching, evaluation, and challenges in sustainability education.
Please note: this event has passed.

COP28: Time for actions not words
In the run up to the COP28 global climate summit, the Faculty of Social Science & Public Policy is hosting a stimulating and interactive evening centred...
Please note: this event has passed.

Climate Change: What can we do?
The AKC will be collaborating with the KCL Climate Action Society to present a Student-Academic-Activist led Panel discussing 'Climate Change: What can we do?'
Please note: this event has passed.

CASCADE INQUIRY: Exploring hopeful climate futures
Join King's Culture for a generative discussion introducing CASCADE INQUIRY, a new initiative by Superflux that imagines climate-positive futures.
Please note: this event has passed.
Features
Halfway to Change: Reflections on the first 6 months of King's Climate & Sustainability journey
Professor Frans Berkhout, Assistant Principal (King’s Climate & Sustainability), examines the first six months of the King's Climate & Sustainability journey

'Places without postcards' highlights impact of climate change around the world
The Faculty of Social Science & Public Policy has created a collection of ‘postcards’ from key places around the globe that tell an important story around...

Climate COP27: Do climate summits make a difference?
Professor Frans Berkhout asks the question: What do they climate summits achieve? And do they make a difference?

'Broader global perspective' needed to tackle climate emergency
The climate emergency: Do we need a whole new political economy?
