TED Talks Daily

How climate shocks could break the economy | Edmond Rhys Jones

23 snips
Nov 13, 2025
Edmond Rhys Jones, a climate and sustainability expert, discusses how climate change poses significant risks to the economy. He highlights the gap between climate science and traditional economic models, which often underestimate disruption. Jones emphasizes the need for innovative tools like simulations to forecast financial impacts. He delves into the hidden costs of natural disasters and how rising insurance premiums can lead to widespread economic strain. Ultimately, he makes a compelling case for investing in climate resilience to safeguard economic stability.
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ANECDOTE

Investor's Question That Sparked The Inquiry

  • In 2021 an investor asked Edmond Rhys Jones if solving climate change was worth the trillions required.
  • That question prompted him to compare detailed climate science with coarse economic models and find a troubling gap.
INSIGHT

Science Versus Economics: The Smoothing Problem

  • Climate science shows rapid, intense shocks but economics smooths them into gentle curves.
  • That smoothing hides real-world turbulence companies and households will face.
ANECDOTE

Insured Damages Understate The Real Losses

  • Rhys Jones contrasts insurers' annual disaster damage estimates with broader economic losses.
  • He notes visible damages like collapsed bridges are tangible but omit cascading income and supply impacts.
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