How Data Changed the Climate Conversation

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How Data Changed the Climate Conversation
Host: Wolfgang Fengler
Guest: Sir Andrew Steer KCMG, PhD

How did climate and nature move from the sidelines to the center of global economic decision-making—and what role did data play in that shift?

In this episode of Data Talks, Wolfgang Fengler speaks with Sir Andrew Steer KCMG, PhD—former President & CEO of the Bezos Earth Fund (2021–2025), former President & CEO of the World Resources Institute, and now Professor in Practice at the London School of Economics’ Global School of Sustainability.

Andrew reflects on key turning points in the evolution of environmental economics, including the rise of “natural capital” and the growing demand for evidence-based climate policy. The conversation explores today’s most important data innovations—from satellite and AI-enabled monitoring of forests and carbon stocks to the emerging ability to detect methane emissions from space—and why better measurement doesn’t automatically translate into better action.

They close with a powerful set of numbers about biodiversity loss and the future of development, and what it will take to turn climate data into durable progress.

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Data Talks is produced by World Data Lab, bringing global data to life through insights, conversations, and stories that matter.