How insurance fuels action for development, climate and biodiversity goals

This week sees three major international conferences with the potential to shape the future of development – the G7, the IMF/World Bank Annual Meetings and the United Nations Biodiversity Conference. A common theme is how to mobilise private sector investment and innovation for development and biodiversity and climate goals. As global leaders sit down with financiers to find solutions, insurers should also get a prominent seat at the table. We argue that insurance plays five crucial roles in unlocking innovation and investment and give examples of how insurers are already helping to protect and restore nature.

Systemic Resilience researchers work with World Bank on climate shocks

The Oxford Martin Systemic Resilience Initiative recently demonstrated its expertise in advancing practical solutions to manage global shocks – particularly those related to climate and nature risks in emerging market and developing economies (EMDEs) – by holding a series of thought leadership discussions and executive teaching workshops attended by World Bank leaders and over 30 senior officials from Ministries of Finance and financial regulators from more than 20 countries.

New programmes focus on AI threats, ‘second-life’ EV batteries and digital pandemic tools

The Oxford Martin School has announced three new programmes for 2024 that aim to develop research solutions to the most pressing 21st century issues. They will tackle the critical challenges of how we can improve our ability to detect attacks on AI systems; effectively redeploy electric vehicle batteries through ‘second-life’ schemes when they reach the end of their life; and optimally and ethically employ digital tools during a pandemic.

Wildlife trade researchers aim to better represent diversity of traded species

A co-director from the Oxford Martin Programme on Wildlife Trade was lead guest editor for a special issue of a Wiley journal that aims to broaden wildlife trade discussions and better represent the diversity of traded species.

Oxford Martin School citizen science project helps improve detection of antibiotic resistance

Antibiotic resistance poses one of the most urgent challenges to public health worldwide. During this process, bacteria acquire genetic mutations that help them to become resistant to antibiotics.

UK hunting trophies law 'would cause more harm than good'

Researchers from the Oxford Martin Programme on Wildlife Trade and the University of Oxford’s Department of Biology have reported findings from a study into the UK’s role in the international hunting trophy trade, and indicated that previously proposed legislation to regulate the trade would need significant reform.

It's time for ‘adaptation smart’ credit ratings that account for climate change

Climate change isn’t just an environmental issue — it’s a financial one too. For financial institutions, but also for governments.

Africa's green economy explored through research collaboration

Jacob’s Ladder Africa (JLA) and the Oxford Martin Programme on the Future of Development have joined forces to conduct research on livelihoods and jobs within Africa’s green economy.

Patents can help us understand wildlife trade trends, says Oxford Martin study

Researchers from the Oxford Martin Programme on Wildlife Trade have identified analyses of patent-filing trends as a viable way to understand the wildlife trade’s future direction.

Exploring the impact of work permits on refugees in Ethiopia

Ethiopia, one of the world's largest refugee-hosting countries, has about 930,000 refugees from South Sudan, Somalia, and Eritrea as of July 2023 (UNHCR, 2023). So, how can we ensure they can make an important contribution economically and socially?

Oxford Martin researchers contribute to Citi report on ageing populations

Healthy ageing, preventive healthcare, labour market reform, and financial resilience planning are all potential approaches to support a global population that is older than it has ever been, says a Citi report developed with Oxford Martin School involvement.

Global Epilepsy researchers to address worldwide challenges through dedicated centre

The University of Oxford is launching The Centre for Global Epilepsy - run by researchers from the Oxford Martin Programme on Global Epilepsy - to address the global burden of the condition, particularly in lower-income countries.