"While The World Fights Over Oil and Gas, Coal Powers On"

"While The World Fights Over Oil and Gas, Coal Powers On"
With Lucy Shaw

Summary
Why we're still addicted to coal: jobs, taxes, geopolitics, and culture wars.

Coal feels like history, but it still generates a third of global electricity and accounts for 37% of carbon emissions each year. In this talk, Lucy Shaw - energy investor, advisor, and writer - unpacks why the world refuses to break this costly addiction. Coal was once cheap, but new technologies can compete while reducing costs, health impacts and climate effects. Coal lives on because it offers us other benefits - from culture wars in the US to energy security in China to jobs protection in Europe, Lucy maps the upstream forces keeping coal alive and what it would actually take to phase it out.

Bio
Lucy is an energy investor, advisor, and writer. She leads Gordon Management, advising on energy deals in the UK and Africa, and she convenes policy events with investors. She previously worked at Blackstone, BCG, Actis, and the World Bank. She's a Fulbright Scholar with an MBA from Harvard Business School, an MPA/ID from Harvard Kennedy School, and a mechanical engineering degree from the University of Melbourne. She writes Slow Burn, a substack on the energy transition, and she is currently working on a book of the same name on why we can't quit coal.

Venue:
Camden Town Brewery Beer Hall
55-59 Wilkin St. Mews
NW5 3ED


Event Running Time:
(we recommend arriving at 6:30pm if you're eating, and 7pm if drinks only)
Doors from 6pm
Introduction: 7:25pm
Lecture: 7:30pm
Q&A: 8:10pm

Food:
If you plan on eating at the venue, we recommend arriving as early as possible so the kitchen can get your order out before the talk starts.

FAQs:

What is Pints of Knowledge?

Pints of Knowledge is a series of public talks where experts, researchers, and big thinkers share fascinating ideas all in the relaxed setting of a pub. We bring brilliant minds and curious audiences together over a pint, covering topics from science and politics to history, art, and beyond.

What happens at Pints of Knowledge?

At each Pints of Knowledge event, you’ll hear engaging talks (approx. 40 minutes) from expert speakers on fascinating topics — followed by an audience Q&A (approx. 20 minutes). The vibe is informal and social, set in a pub where you can grab a drink, meet interesting people, and enjoy big ideas in a relaxed setting.

What if I don't drink alcohol?

No problem at all! Pints of Knowledge is all about the ideas and the community, not the drinks. You’re welcome to enjoy a soft drink, coffee, or whatever you prefer. The focus is on creating a relaxed, social atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable.

Can I attend without a ticket?

Tickets must be purchased online prior to the event. With our limited capacity at each venue we can't let people in without a ticket.

Is there food available?

Yes, there is always the option to purchase food at our events.

Can I get my ticket refunded?

We issue full ticket refunds if you have requested 7 days before the event. Any requests after will be at the discretion of the event organiser.

Can I get my ticket exchanged?

We issue full ticket exchanges if you have requested 7 days before the event. Any requests after will be at the discretion of the event organiser.

Is the event pet friendly?

Yes, we allow pets to attend but reserve the right to request their removal if they are disruptive.