Top scientists and economists will offer advice to policymakers on navigating the low-carbon transition, through a new initiative called Exeter Climate Policy (ECP).
Professor Jean-Francois Mercure (right) and Simon Sharpe
ECP officially launches today during Exeter Climate Forum – a week-long gathering of researchers, policymakers and business leaders.
Based at the University of Exeter, ECP offers independent economic analysis to help governments and finance ministers create policies that are resilient, effective, and country-specific.
“Our mission is to give policymakers a place to go for this essential analysis,” said Professor Jean-Francois Mercure, ECP’s Director, and Assistant Director of the Global Systems Institute.
“For each country, the low-carbon future looks different, constrained by local resources, political realities, changing tides, debt burdens, existing inequalities and economic structures.
“To move forward, governments need access to climate-economic models that are tailored to their region and the specific problems they face, to visualise how different policy options could play out in practice.”
The ECP team are experienced in deploying these models and working with international policy partners, including the UK Government, the European Commission, the Ministry of Finance of Brazil, and the World Bank.
Taking a collaborative and independent approach, they can work with governments to co-create tools and policy interventions they need.
Professor Lisa Roberts, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Exeter, said: “One of the core priorities in our Strategy 2030 is to lead meaningful action against the climate emergency and ecological crisis.
“Policymakers around the world have committed to cut their carbon emissions, and are under pressure to deliver, both for their own populations and for the whole planet.
“Working with policymakers, Exeter Climate Policy will provide practical policy design for effective decarbonisation, economic transformation, and a zero-carbon future that is fair and resilient.
“We have the right expertise for this, and I look forward to seeing our University play a leading role in driving down global carbon emissions.”
ECP offers to support evidence-based policy debates without adopting any prior political position.
It is supported by Green Futures Solutions, the University of Exeter’s initiative for connecting business with climate expertise, insights, and solutions to drive sustainable change.