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

Nature is facing a crisis, just like climate, but has received much less publicity despite its critical importance. In this episode, we explore what we mean by 'nature-related risks', and discuss how biodiversity, ecosystems, and natural resources impact business operations and sustainability. Sarah is joined by Caroline Vexler, Nature Principle at the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development, and Oxford Economics' nature experts Jake Kuyer and Carina Manitius. Our guests share insights, strategies, and real-world examples, of how companies might navigate and mitigate nature-related risks to improve resilience and profitability in a rapidly changing world.

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)

How does extreme heat affect human health and the economy, and what is being done about it? Shilpita Mathews, Senior Economist at Oxford Economics, joins our host Sarah Nelson to discuss adaptation. Shilpita speaks to guests Jane Gilbert, Chief Heat Officer of Miami-Dade County and Emilie Mazzacurati the Co-founder and Managing Partner of Tailwind about the risks that extreme heat poses for our economy and the landscape of solutions available to help cities, communities and individuals adapt to a changing climate.

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.

Join Sarah Nelson for an insightful exploration of the sustainability landscape in 2024. In this episode, she engages with leading experts in politics, technology, and sustainable business to unravel the key trends poised to shape our journey towards a greener future. Oxford Economics’ Beatrice Tanjanco provides valuable insights into how this bumper election year could affect policy progress. Energy systems expert Dr Chris Battaille discusses where industrial technology could lead to big emissions savings and Emerson’s Dr Ana Gonzalez-Hernandez shares the key priorities for businesses aiming for sustainable progress 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.

In this episode of Greenomics, experts Sara Wilkinson and Kristian Kolding join Sarah Nelson to discuss the crucial role of climate-ready buildings in the global push towards a net-zero future. They delve into sustainable construction practices, the importance of regulations, retrofitting existing buildings, and behavioural changes to create environmentally friendly homes. The conversation also touches on the economic challenges and choices associated with transitioning to sustainable living.

The physical risks of climate change are becoming ever clearer as the world experiences more frequent droughts, wildfires, floods, and more. Understanding how these risks could change and how they might affect economies and livelihoods is key to spurring climate action. In this episode, we discuss what Oxford Economics’ climate models tell us about the future, and how national risks can be mapped to cities and neighbourhoods to better understand the burden of climate impacts.

Transition metals and critical minerals are key ingredients in many of the most important climate technologies, from wind turbines to electric vehicles. Achieving secure, sustainable supply is therefore vital for delivering net zero emissions. We explore the risks, opportunities and trade-offs that transition metals pose for supplying countries and the climate transition.

Corporate sustainability reporting is becoming more common across the globe, driven by interest from investors and customers. The most recent developments track a shift from reporting only impacts to disclosing the risks that arise from companies' dependence on nature and society. The recent European Sustainability Reporting Standards are set to cover more than 50,000 companies by 2028 but are facing some hurdles. In this episode, your host Sarah Nelson is joined by Tobias Wildner, Global Head of Sustainable Finance & Standard Setting at the Value Balancing Alliance, and by Jake Kuyer, Associate Director, Economics & Sustainability at Oxford Economics. We discuss what these standards mean for markets and whether other jurisdictions are poised to match Europe's ambition.

Welcome to Greenomics, a brand new podcast series from Oxford Economics where we delve into the complex relationships between climate, nature and our global economy. In this first full length episode, we will discuss who is leading the clean energy transition, and which industries stand to gain from the shift to a green economy. Your host Sarah Nelson is joined by James Lambert, Director of Economic Consulting Asia, Oxford Economics and Sean Metcalfe, Lead Economist in Industries at Oxford Economics. They discuss the major drivers in the energy transition and where business leaders see green opportunities and challenges in the path to net zero.

Welcome to Greenomics, a brand new podcast series from Oxford Economics where we delve into the complex relationships between climate, nature and our global economy. Join us as we navigate the changing landscape of the green transition, joined by a panel of experts to discuss one aspect of climate and sustainability and unpack what it means for businesses in today’s economy. Your host, Sarah Nelson, is a Senior Economist in the Economics & Sustainability team at Oxford Economics. She holds degrees in economics and physics and has a PhD in climate economics and policy from the University of Cambridge. Her professional interests lie in the economics of decarbonisation, energy policy, and nature-related financial regulation. In this first introduction episode she is joined by Adrian Cooper, CEO of Oxford Economics, to discuss why we are shining a light on the role of economics in the drive towards sustainability. Learn more about Oxford Economics climate and sustainability insights: https://www.oxfordeconomics.com/climate-change-and-sustainability/