Professor James Curran FRSE
Chair, Scottish Environment Link
James originally researched in meteorology, oceanography and hydrology. He was previously Chief Executive of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and served on government groups including climate change, zero waste, hydronation, green growth, biodiversity, and fracking. At one time, he ran his own eco-business and has, on and off, worked in consultancy. He was an Honorary Professor of Stirling University, Chair of the James Hutton Institute and served on the Board of the Green Purposes Company, overseeing the environmental performance of the privatised UK Green Investment Bank; he advised the Isle of Man Government on climate action; and he recently stepped down as chair of Climate Ready Clyde, developing the Glasgow City Region climate adaptation strategy. James is a visiting professor at the Centre for Sustainable Development, University of Strathclyde and is the chair of Scottish Environment LINK.
Fellowship list
Involved in
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Resources
Global, UK, and Scottish topography of nature and green investment with the huge investment potential of the private sector for public good.
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Resources
Post-Brexit environmental paths diverge: Scotland commits to EU standards, but the UK's stance remains ambiguous. Professor James Curran delves into this divide, highlighting challenges and threats to maintaining parity with Europe's environmental benchmarks.
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Advice Papers
The RSE responds to Environmental Standards Scotland’s draft strategy for 2026–2031, supporting its independent scrutiny role while calling for a stronger proactive approach. The RSE highlights the importance of horizon scanning, broader policy oversight, transparent processes, and adequate resourcing to ensure effective environmental governance in Scotland.
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Advice Papers
The RSE urges caution in developing a natural capital market framework, advocating for an independent broker to safeguard public and environmental interests.
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Advice Papers
The RSE raises concerns from its response to the Scottish Government's consultation on the circular economy and waste route map to 2030.
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Advice Papers
The RSE's response to the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy.
