Past events in 2012
December
Part of the CCCEP Lunchtime Seminar Series 2012-13, this presentation outlined the findings of different approaches for assessing climate change vulnerability in sub-Saharan Africa, with a specific focus on studies from rural Malawi. Speakers were Andy Dougill, Chloe Sutcliffe and Claire Quinn.
November
This symposium on Insurance in Emerging Markets brought together a small group of leading academics and practitioners to discuss the different determinants of insurance growth. The aim was to have an open exchange on latest findings, considering evidence from emerging markets and developed markets, as well as comparing tools and methods for evaluation.
Munich Re research programme event| *Slides available*
This paper presents new mixed-method, multi-level assessments of the potential of Jatropha curcas (Jatropha) energy crop to improve livelihoods in rural Mali: a leading promoter of small-scale Jatropha agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa. Speaker was Nicola Favretto. *Slides available*
In this lecture, Dr David Gee analysed the societal barriers to getting knowledge into action. He also illustrated some ways and means by which science and precautionary measures could be designed and implemented, in order to shorten the time between the first plausible scientific evidence of harm and the first effective initiatives on reducing hazards and risks. *Video recording available*
A special alumni event. Guest speakers included Jonathon Porritt CBE (co-founder of Forum for the Future, co-director of The Prince of Wales's Business and Sustainability Programme and ex-Director of Friends of the Earth), Andy Gouldson (Director of the Centre for Climate Change Economics and Policy, School of Earth and Environment, Leeds) and Andy Shepherd (Director of Research, School of Earth and Environment, Leeds).
May
The presentation will focus on the prevalence of climate scepticism – in its various forms - in the print media around the world. Most previous academic research on climate scepticism has tended to focus on the way it has been organised, and its impact on policy outputs, rather on the types of scepticism and the individuals who represent them.
Part of the 'Climate Change and Environment Seminar Series: Summer Term'. Speaker is Roger Fouquet, Ikerbasque Research Professor (Basque Centre for Climate Change).
There is an urgent need to decarbonise global energy systems to tackle the twin challenges of mitigating climate change and improving energy security. What mix of technologies can help achieve this? How much will it cost? What progress is being made? Which policies can help accelerate the necessary changes? Professor Taylor will cover these and other issues, drawing on the results of his current research at the University of Leeds and on his previous activities at the International Energy Agency.
A two-sector OLG model illuminates previously unexamined intergenerational effects of a tax that protects an environmental stock. A traded asset capitalises the economic returns to future tax-induced environmental improvements, benefiting the current asset owners, the old generation.
LSE hosted an academic symposium on Hurricane Forecasting, with a focus on questions relating to the construction, evaluation and use of hurricane forecasts on seasonal scales.
April
The Centre for Low Carbon Futures (CLCF) and the Centre for Climate Change Economics and Policy (CCCEP) jointly held this workshop on 2 May, hosted at Chatham House. Presentations were given by Professor Andy Gouldson of the University of Leeds, Andy Deacon from the Energy Savings Trust, Christoph Harwood of Marksman Consulting and Emily Smith from the European Investment Bank.
March
The transition to a low-carbon economy will require sufficient people with appropriate qualifications and skills to develop manufacture install and operate the low-carbon technologies and approaches.
We reviewed the classical arguments about business cycle modelling, using either endogenous business cycle (EnBC) models or 'real' business cycle (RBC) models. A particularly simple EnBC model, called the Non-Equilibrium Dynamical Model (NEDyM), was then presented, along with its surprisingly realistic, sawtooth-shaped business cycles and their five to six-year periodicity.
The 'grand' history of past energy transitions is examined for recurrent patterns and drivers and their implications climate change protection and green growth policies. Four policy lessons stand out. Arnulf Grubler|, Professor in the Field of Energy and Technology at the School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, Yale University, was speaker.
Hosted by the Centre for Climate Change Economics and Policy (CCCEP)| and Competitive Advantage in the Global Economy (CAGE)|. Speakers include Professor Nicholas Stern and Michael Grubb from OFGEM. Presentation slides of all talks available.
This seminar examined the application of economic analysis techniques within the expanding field of ecosystem service assessments. Taking as an example the recent UK National Ecosystem Assessment, it extended and applied methods for valuing changes in the services provided by the natural environment. Particular attention was given to the incorporation of spatial variation in the environment within such valuations.
To help us understand how we can meet our 21st century challenges, CAT's Zero Carbon Britain project assembles and integrates cutting-edge findings from a wide range of leading researchers to show what a genuinely sustainable future could look like.
Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) is currently a major topic in the debate on policies to mitigate climate change.
February
The above paper, written by Caterina Gennaioli and Massimo Tavoni, will be presented. Taking a political economy approach, the link between public support schemes for renewable energy and the potential scope for rent seeking and corruption is analysed.
The seminar explores many of the key issues surrounding the UK's GHG consumption-based emissions from a methodological and political perspective. The presentation will address the recent trends in consumption-based emissions, consider the robustness of measurements, address issues of carbon leakage, identify policy options and international responses.
January
This seminar analyses and assesses the role that has been played by actors such as investors, NGOs, the media and indeed companies themselves in this debate, focusing specifically on how these various actors have sought to influence corporate performance and the outcomes that have resulted.
Leeds City Region currently has an energy bill in excess of £5bn a year – or 10% of its GDP – and this is increasing every year. Are there cost effective ways of cutting this energy bill whilst also enhancing competitiveness and creating employment?