Reform VAT on foods to make healthy and sustainable eating more affordable, suggests Oxford study

A research team’s dream to achieve a net-zero plastics future

With the Oxford Martin Programme on the Future of Plastics coming to an end, we explore how this research programme has helped develop a holistic solution to the challenge of ending plastic pollution, resulting in the concept of a circular economy for plastics.

Beans and peas best meat alternative, finds Oxford research

Beans and peas rank best as meat and milk replacements from nutritional, health, environmental, and cost perspectives, a new study led by an Oxford Martin researcher has found.

Eating less sugar would be great for the planet as well as our health

Sugar addiction is on the rise. Globally, sugar intake has quadrupled over the last 60 years, and it now makes up around 8% of all our calories.

Climate Policy Monitor highlights implementation gap in net zero regulations

The Oxford Martin Programme on Net Zero Regulation and Policy has launched its Climate Policy Monitor, a regularly updated public resource evaluating the ambition, comprehensiveness, and stringency of climate-related regulations against over 250 data points.

Work with nature to unlock economic prosperity, says major Oxford study

Nature-based solutions involve working with and enhancing nature to address societal challenges – such as climate change - in ways that benefit local communities and biodiversity. A comprehensive review of the economic impacts of nature-based solutions, published today in PLOS Climate, concludes they can unlock prosperity by boosting local economies, increasing agricultural productivity and creating jobs.

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.

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.