Dr. Sarah Ashbridge

Research Fellow in Military Science RUSI

Dr Sarah Ashbridge is a Research Fellow in the Military Sciences Team at RUSI. Sarah leads the Greening Defence programme which explores the UK’s Armed Forces strategic plan to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. This interdisciplinary programme explores the approaches of the single services and the wider MoD, testing ambitions against industrial capacity. It navigates the tensions between societal expectations and operational requirements to maintain the security of the realm.

The Greening Defence commentary series is supported by the Greening Defence Podcast, delivered in partnership with the Conflict and Environment Observatory (CEOBS). The podcast brought together guests from defence, industry, academia and policy to explore key themes in the climate debate and the focuses of the single services, attracting high profile guests such as the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshall Sir Mike Wigston. Her research is informed by principles of reciprocal, equitable partnerships with participants and geographically informed methodologies.

Sarah has a range of experience beyond defence. Between 2016-2021, Sarah provided administrative support to the Leeds University Centre for African Studies and the Faculty of Environment, assisting the delivery of climate focused events and projects. In 2021, Sarah joined the West Yorkshire Combined Authority to deliver the remainder of the UK’s pilot Energy Accelerator Programme to deliver low carbon projects in West Yorkshire, funded by the European Investment Bank. Sarah has a background in forensic and conflict archaeology and is a deployable team member for Kenyon International Emergency Services and a volunteer with the DIO’s Operation Nightingale and Breaking Ground Heritage.