How do we build back better after a crisis?

University of Cambridge

In this episode, we explore how we can build back better after a crisis. What are the challenges and opportunities of addressing the climate crisis, including the need for climate justice, the costs of inaction, and the importance of green innovation. We consider the roles of governments, multilateral institutions, and grassroots movements play in driving change. And we conclude with a call to action, So, now what? Where we emphasise the need for coordinated international efforts and a just and equitable transition to a sustainable future. Takeaways Building back better after a crisis requires addressing climate justice and the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable communities. The costs of climate change, both economic and social, are substantial and require urgent action. Investment in clean energy and good jobs can drive economic growth and reduce carbon emissions. Leveraging people power and social media can help raise awareness and drive change. Green innovation and regulation are key to building a sustainable and equitable society. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 04:21 Expertise and perspectives 06:50 The challenge of building back better 10:10 Understanding the costs and risks of climate change 14:25 Building back better in the United States 17:15 Building back better in Africa 19:25 The Need for collaboration and connectivity. Who needs to be in the same room? 25:45 Leveraging people power and innovation. How can we talk about green innovation and change the narrative? What does a better society look like? 31:00. So, now what? Moving Forward: Political will and financing. Bios Kamiar Mohaddes @KamiarMohaddes is an Associate Professor in Economics & Policy at the Judge Business School at the University of Cambridge. His main areas of research include climate change, economics of the Middle East, energy economics and applied macroeconomics. He is currently a consultant at the Inter-American Development Bank and has previously served as a Departmental Special Advisor at the Bank of Canada, a consultant at the United Nations, a consultant at the Asian Development Bank and a regular visiting scholar at the International Monetary Fund to name a few. Todd N. Tucker @toddntucker is a political scientist and director of Industrial Policy and Trade at the Roosevelt Institute, where he helps lead research on global governance, democracy, and the administrative state. A recognised expert on trade and political economy, Dr Tucker has testified before legislatures and expert committees around the world. He is author of Judge Knot: Politics and Development in International Investment Law (Anthem Press, 2018). He has authored over 70 major reports, including Fixing the Senate: Equitable and Full Representation for the 21st Century and Industrial Policy and Planning: What It Is and How to Do It Better. Queen Chinyere Quinn is a Co-Founder and Partner at Kupanda Capital, an investment platform established to create, capitalise and scale pan-African companies. In this capacity, Queen has worked to provide tailored advice and support to entrepreneurs, project developers, fund managers and corporations operating in Africa. She has worked on deals in various sectors across Africa, including those in media, consumer and energy; and leads the platform on issues related to impact investing. Queen has helped to found several new companies and ventures, including Fraym, a geospatial data company and Nithio, an AI powered energy finance platform for the off-grid solar sector in Africa.