Oxford Martin School launches four new £1 million research programmes tackling global challenges

UK risks under-preparing for severe climate and nature threats, experts warn

A new Comment led by Professor Paul Behrens brings together experts in climate, nature, health, national security and financial risk to call for a more integrated approach to how governments assess and prepare for climate and nature threats.

The Future of Carbon Markets Isn’t Carbon

Carbon credits are issued when projects such as restoring forests, protecting mangroves or replacing fossil fuels with cleaner energy can demonstrate and verify that they have reduced or removed greenhouse gas emissions. These credits can then be sold, generating a source of revenue.

Flying blind into the AI age

Maike Osborne, Professor of Machine Learning and Co-Director of the Oxford Martin AI Governance Initiative, and Dr Fazl Barez, Senior Researcher and Technical Director of the Initiative, argue that the question of the week – whether AI is slipping out of our control – cannot be answered with the measurement instruments we have, but that improving upon them offers a realistic path for reining in both AI and the companies that own it.

Food manufacturers could achieve nutrition and sustainability gains by changing 10% of products

Leading UK food and drink manufacturers could significantly improve the overall nutrition and sustainability of their products by making changes to 10% or less of their existing product line, according to new research in Nature Food.

Estimating the size of an Ebola outbreak: why the way people travel matters

New research supported by the Oxford Martin School shows how short journeys and travel for healthcare can substantially affect early estimates of an Ebola outbreak. Published in Nature Health, the study forms part of a wider University of Oxford effort to support the international response to the ongoing Bundibugyo Ebola crisis.

Reverse approach is not a silver bullet for regulating the world’s wildlife trade, say Oxford researchers

Reversing wildlife trade rules so that species can only be traded when this has been shown to be sustainable would not, on its own, solve many of the problems facing current regulation according to new research from the Oxford Martin Programme on Wildlife Trade.

Beef and dairy drive 41% of biodiversity damage linked to global farmland

Beef and dairy production accounts for 41% of the biodiversity damage caused by the world's farmland, according to an international study involving researchers from the Oxford Martin School at the University of Oxford.

International collaboration develops new tools to monitor wildlife trade

Researchers from the Oxford Martin Programme on Wildlife Trade are helping develop new indicators that could improve how governments monitor wildlife trade and measure progress towards global biodiversity targets.

What Evidence Week Taught Us About Engaging with Parliament

Evidence Week, organised by Sense about Science, is designed to facilitate direct conversations between researchers and policymakers. Sami Wymes of the Oxford Martin AI Governance Initiative describes their experience at this year's gathering.

100% organic free-range egg production could have negative consequences for climate and nature

A new study published in Royal Society Open Science today reveals striking trade-offs when it comes to different methods of egg production.

Tailored food policies could cut emissions and improve health, global study finds

People face different social and environmental contexts that shape the food they eat. Yet policies are often designed around national averages. A new global study finds that recognising those differences could help governments improve health and reduce the environmental impact of diets more effectively and more fairly.

Climate change is reshaping national security. Oxford researchers are helping governments stay ahead of the risks

Food prices. Flooding. Energy security. Migration. Supply chains. They are often debated as separate policy challenges. However, new research from the Oxford Martin School's Agile Initiative suggests they are deeply interconnected, and that understanding how environmental change influences them is critical to the UK's future security.

The economics of food price caps: who benefits, who pays and the ripple effects

Food price caps can offer immediate relief when living costs rise, but they may also have unintended consequences. A new Oxford Martin briefing explains the economic trade-offs and what they could mean for consumers and the wider food system.