Oxford Economics

In this episode, Jake Kuyer, lead of OE’s Economics & Sustainability team, interviews Anthony Bernand-Sasges, from the team who developed the Global Cities Index, to talk about how the index comes together, and what insights it offers for city sustainability performance. We also discuss some of the key results and insights, and how government can facilitate improvements in sustainable urban development.

In this episode of Greenomics, we speak with the International Energy Agency's critical minerals analyst Shobhan Dhir and Oxford Economics Africa's Lead Political Economist Francois Conradie about Africa’s pivotal role in the global green transition. As demand grows for critical minerals like cobalt, copper, and lithium, African nations are navigating opportunities and risks—from boosting local employment to managing geopolitical tensions and environmental concerns. Our conversation highlights key policy moves, infrastructure investments, and the implications for global supply chains and ESG compliance. Building from Oxford Economics Africa’s Green Leap series, this episode sheds light on a fast-evolving landscape at the intersection of sustainability, economics, and international relations.

Greenomics S2 E1 | Shades of green by Greenomics

Caroline Vexler, a Nature Principle at the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development, joins Oxford Economics experts Jake Kuyer and Carina Manitius to dive into the urgent issue of nature-related risks for businesses. They discuss the critical links between biodiversity loss and economic stability. The trio examines the recent EU nature restoration law, strategies for addressing nature-related challenges in development banking, and the urgent need for businesses to adapt to ecological changes. Insightful real-world examples highlight the evolving risks and opportunities within this crucial realm.

Climate change is a threat multiplier – disrupting ways of life, threatening food sources, and fundamentally changing the environment in which we live. In this episode we explore the potential impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities, from increased migratory and conflict pressures to the unique relationship between Indigenous populations and nature. Sarah Nelson is joined by three of the team from Oxford Economics who have been working to understand the profound social implications of these factors, Shilpita Mathews, Beatrice Tanjanco, and Ilana Gottlieb. They discuss: Climate as a migration threat multiplier, based on our recent research briefing (0:56) Economics costs of climate migration (14:21) Indigenous communities role (20:19) Why businesses should care (30:18) Regulatory requirements for businesses (35:32)

Jane Gilbert, the Chief Heat Officer of Miami-Dade County, and Emilie Mazzacurati, Co-founder of Tailwind, delve into the pressing threats of extreme heat on health and the economy. They discuss the staggering $20 billion economic impact of heat and innovative urban resilience strategies. Vulnerable populations face profound challenges, revealing deep-seated inequalities. The conversation also highlights the need for investment in adaptation technologies and collaboration to create sustainable, future-ready communities amid climate challenges.

Anyone who has taken a holiday to a beautiful landscape, clear-water beach, or snowy ski resort, will know that the Travel & Tourism sector relies on a good state of nature. In this episode Sarah is joined by Chris Imbsen from the World Travel and Tourism Council, and Matt Tinsley and Jessie Smith from Oxford Economics to discuss the sector's efforts to understand, quantify, and improve the relationship between Travel & Tourism and the natural environment. WTTC and Oxford Economics have developed a database of global Travel & Tourism environmental impacts, available online here: https://globaltravelfootprint.wttc.org/.

This month we delve into everyone’s favourite new technology: low-carbon hydrogen. We chat with expert consultant Gniewomir Flis from Kaya Partners about the history of the hydrogen sector, technology options, and his views on how the industry will - or will not - develop in the coming years. We also speak with Paul Henderson, Head of Hydrogen Production Strategy at the UK Department for Energy Security, who shares his perspective on the various policy levers being used to ramp up hydrogen production in the UK.

Beatrice Tanhanco, a senior economist with expertise in climate policy, shares how upcoming political changes could impact climate initiatives. Chris Battaille, a leader in sustainable energy, discusses innovative technologies for decarbonizing heavy industries like steel and cement. Ana Gonzalez-Hernandez, director of sustainability at Emerson, reveals the pressing challenges businesses face in achieving net-zero goals and highlights the importance of engaging supply chain partners. Together, they explore pivotal trends shaping sustainability in 2024.

This week marks the end of the 28th climate Conference of the Parties (COP28) in Dubai. More than 100,000 people gathered to discuss, debate, and decide action on climate change, at least in theory. COP28 brought some positive shifts in global funding for loss and damage but fell short of the transformative change many had hoped for. In this episode, Sarah is joined by Dr Matt Winning and Dr Karla Cervantes Barrón to discuss the takeaways from COP, what they mean for businesses and emerging economies, and whether COP is the right forum for decisive action.