Dimitri Zenghelis
Co-Head Climate Policy
Dimitri joined the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment in April 2013 is responsible for producing, commissioning and communicating research on the economics of climate change policy. Previously, he headed the Stern Review Team at the Office of Climate Change, London, and was a senior economist on the Stern Review on the Economics of Climate Change, commissioned by the then Chancellor Gordon Brown. Before working on climate change, Dimitri was Head of Economic Forecasting at HM Treasury.
Background
Dimitri was a Senior Economic Advisor to Cisco from 2008-2013. From 2007 to 2008, he was Head of the Stern Review Team.
Prior to this, Dimitri was Senior Economist of the Stern Review Team at HM Treasury and Head of Economic Forecasting at HM Treasury.
Research interests
- The macroeconomic aspects of climate change;
- The design of policy regimes for tackling harmful climate change.
Climate policy confidence indicator: final report to CCCEP
The CCCEP Policy Innovation fund supported a project to explore the feasibility and perceived usefulness of an indicator of confidence in climate change policies. This final report presents the analysis … read more »
2014
The Economics of Steering the Transition to a Low Carbon Economy
Presentations given at a three-day course ‘The economics of change: achieving better growth and a better climate’- part of a joint programme between LSE Enterprise in Spain and the Fundación … read more »
In praise of a green stimulus
Macroeconomic conditions make this a relatively favorable time to kick-start investments necessary to transition to a resource-efficient economy read more »
2013
Designing the future: the role of smart green cities’
Presentation for the Cleantech City, Oct. 23 2013 Conference – Link to presentation
2011
City solutions to global problems
Cities have clearly played a major role in the creation of the problem of anthropogenic climate change and they will form a central part of any response. No effective … read more »
2009
Environmental Alpha: Institutional Investors and Climate Change
Chapter author in book, published October 2009 – Link to publisher
Global Carbon Trading: A Framework for Reducing Emissions
Contributor to Lazarowicz Review commissioned by the UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown, July 2009 – External link to publication
Principles for a Global Deal for Limiting the Risks from Climate Change
Environmental Resource Economics, April 2009
The Economics of Climate Change in Southeast Asia: A Regional Review
This report reviews the economics of climate change in Southeast Asia, with a particular focus on Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam. It confirms that the region is highly vulnerable to climate change, demonstrates that a wide range of adaptation measures are already being applied, and that it has great potential to contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions globally. read more »
2007
The State of Responsible Competitiveness 2007
Accountability 2007 (Chapter author, p47) – External link to publication
Building 21st century sustainable infrastructure (part 1): time to invest
The new UK Government under Prime Minister Theresa May has committed to boosting UK productivity, to addressing the widening wealth gap, and to supporting the transition to low-carbon … read more »
Building 21st century sustainable infrastructure (part 2): institutional reform
The new UK Government under Prime Minister Theresa May has committed to boosting UK productivity, to addressing the widening wealth gap, and to supporting the transition to low-carbon … read more »
The importance of looking forward to manage risks: submission to the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures
Submission made to the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures, which was set up in December 2015 by the Financial Stability Board to “develop voluntary, consistent climate-related financial risk disclosures … read more »
The role of HM Treasury in relation to sustainable development and environmental protection
Submission to inquiry on by the House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee. External link to publication
The competitiveness impact of a UK carbon price: what do the data say?
This paper explores the potential impact of a uniform £20 per tonne carbon price on fuels and production costs across all 106 industries that comprise the UK economy. read more »
2015
Consultation response: ‘Reforming the business energy efficiency tax landscape'
This policy paper was submitted to HM Treasury in response to its consultation on 'Reforming the business energy efficiency tax landscape'. read more »
Climate change priorities for the next UK Government
The next UK Government after the General Election on 7 May should reform the UK’s overly-complex energy taxation and create new institutions to depoliticise infrastructure investment, particularly in the energy sector. These recommendations are among several new measures outlined in the Institute’s latest policy brief ‘Climate change priorities for the next UK government’. read more »
2014
Submission to the inquiry by the House of Commons Select Committee on Energy and Climate Change on ‘ Fuelling the debate: Committee successes and future challenges ’
Outlines the main energy and climate change challenges in the UK over the next five-year term read more »
Submission to inquiry on ‘Environmental risks of fracking’ by the House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee
This is a submission by the ESRC Centre for Climate Change Economics and Policy and Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment at London School of Economics and … read more »
Taming the beasts of ‘burden-sharing’: an analysis of equitable mitigation actions and approaches to 2030 mitigation pledges
Countries are now seeking to reach a new international agreement on climate change, to be signed in Paris in December 2015. A key element of the international negotiations … read more »
Path dependence, innovation and the economics of climate change
Shifting our fossil-fuelled civilisation to clean modes of production and consumption requires deep transformations in our energy and economic systems read more »
Burden or opportunity? How UK emissions reductions policies affect the competitiveness of businesses
The ongoing review of the UK’s Fourth Carbon Budget is closely linked to the debate over the impact that domestic climate change policies can have on the competitiveness of businesses. … read more »
Copenhagen - Green Economy Leader Report
Report outlines the strategic choices facing Copenhagen as it builds on its pioneering work as a global green economy leader. read more »
Greening the Recovery - The report of the UCL Green Economy Policy Commission
Paul Ekins, Will McDowall, and Dimitri Zenghelis, UCL, 2014. External link to report
In praise of a green stimulus
Macroeconomic conditions make this a relatively favorable time to kick-start investments necessary to transition to a resource-efficient economy. There is no lack of private money, just a perceived lack of opportunity. Resource costs are low and the potential to crowd out alternative investment and employment is greatly reduced. It is often argued that the short-term macroeconomic merit of an investment, in terms of what constitutes a good economic stimulus, can be judged against established criteria. These include tests on whether an investment is timely, temporary, and targeted. Although these are important, the evidence presented here suggests that a more important criterion for a sustainable economic impact is the ability to generate private sector confidence in profitable and enduring new markets. The world is likely to transition to a resource-efficient, low-carbon economy over this century and managing this transition has early pay-offs. Clear and credible green policies have the potential restore confidence and generate growth. Providing credible early incentives to invest in resource-efficiency could generate investment and growth in the long and the short run. read more »
Thinking Aloud Tackling Climate Change Can the cities lead?
With Philipp Rode Center for Urban Green Spaces Vol. 1 No. 4, January 2014
2013
Going Green
LSE Cities, November 2012 – External link to report
Stockholm - Green Economy Leader Report
LSE, June 2013. – External link to publication
Driving Growth Through Green Innovation
Chapter 12 in The Green Book. Summer 2013 – Link to publisher
No Country is an Energy Island: Securing Investment for the EU's Future
European Union Committee – Evidence with Martin Wolf – May 2013 – External link to report
2012
The Future of Green Infrastructure Investment
All Party Parliamentary Climate Change Group Panel presentation, House of Commons, November 2012 – External link to presentation
Submission to House of Lords inquiry into EU energy policy
October 2012 – External link to submission
Delivering environmentally and socially sustainable economic growth in Europe
In: Salzburg Trilogue
A strategy for restoring confidence and economic growth through green investment and innovation
With fiscal policy generally constrained by the need to restore confidence in the sustainability of public debt and the effectiveness of monetary policy to stimulate growth is reaching its limits, … read more »
2011
Advisory workshop on the British Investment Bank conference
Contributor, Westminster, 2 November 2011 – External link to publication
Networked Solutions for 21st-Century Challenges; The Economics of Complexity and Scarcity, and the Role of Networked Innovation
Cisco IBSG November 2011 – External link to report
The basic economics of low-carbon growth in the UK
Mattia Romani, Nicholas Stern and Dimitri Zenghelis
Trade, Technology and the Green Economy
Chapter Author, UNCTAD “The Road to Rio+20: For a Development-led Green Economy,” forwarded by Jeff Sachs. – External link to publication
Cities and the Green Economy
In UNEP Green Economy Report with Philipp Rode, UNEP Green cities, Feb 2011 – External link to publisher
The Economics of Network Powered Growth
Cisco PoV, January 2011 – External link to report
A macroeconomic plan for a green recovery
A unique green opportunity has arisen for policy makers to create viable newmarkets, boost private investment and innovation, and stimulate the economy without requiring large public expenditure. By sending a … read more »
2010
Climate Change The New Economy’
Published at COP 16 in Cancun. p22: December 2010 – External link to report
Fostering a New era of Low-Carbon Progress and Prosperity’
‘Climate Change The New Economy’ published at COP 16 in Cancun. p22: December 2010 – External link to publication
Development in a More Hostile Climate – Integration and trade
Inter-American Development Bank (IADB) (Contributor) International Finance and Investment for Climate Change, Volume 14, Jan-June 2010 – External link to publication
The Climate Competitiveness Index 2010
UNEP/Accountability (Contributor) May – External link to publication
Prosperity Without Growth
Sustainable Development Commission’s Publication, 2010 (Contributor) – External link to publication
2009
Financing the Transition: A Strategy to Deliver Carbon Targets
Aldersgate Group, October 2009 (Contributor) – External link to publication
Meeting the Climate Challenge: Using Public Funds to Leverage Private Investment in Developing Countries
‘Meeting the Climate Challenge: Using Public Funds to Leverage Private Investment in Developing Countries’ is the output of a public/private discussion coordinated by Lord Nicholas Stern, Chair of the Grantham … read more »
An outline of the case for a 'green' stimulus
Alex Bowen, Samuel Fankhauser, Nicholas Stern and Dimitri Zenghelis
2008
Assessing Economic Impacts of Greenhouse Gas Mitigation
US National Academies Board on Energy and Environmental Systems (BEES), October 2-3, 2008 Summary of workshops – External link to publisher
2007
Right for the Right Reasons: A Final Rejoinder on the Stern Review
Simon Dietz, Dennis Anderson, Nicholas Stern, Chris Taylor & Dimitri Zenghelis. World Economics 8.2, pp.229-258, 2007 – Link to publisher
Reflections on the Stern Review: A Robust Case for Strong Action to Reduce the Risks of Climate Change
Simon Dietz, Chris Hope, Nicholas Stern & Dimitri Zenghelis. World Economics 8.1, pp.121-168, 2007 – Link to publisher
This is humankind's 'great urbanisation'. We must do it right, or the planet will pay
The world will never again build cities as rapidly as it does this century. If we are serious about limiting global warming, tackling air pollution and promoting innovative, resource-efficient growth, there is a narrow window of opportunity read more »
Negative interest rates are an opportunity for the UK to invest in sustainable infrastructure
The reservoir of free capital can help boost the UK’s productive capacity and secure a low-carbon future, writes Dimitri Zenghelis read more »
It's Too Early To Say the U.K. Has Had a Brexit Boost
Newsweek, 12 September 2016
Fog in the Channel: reports of a Brexit boost are at best premature
LSE Brexit Blog, 7 September 2016
Boosting economic growth and stabilising the public finances by borrowing to invest in sustainable energy, transport and cities infrastructure
The new UK Government under Prime Minister Theresa May has committed to boosting UK productivity and addressing the widening wealth gap. Achieving all this will require the right investments by … read more »
When will we know Brexit’s impact on the economy? Dates for the diary
LSE Brexit Blog, 14 July
A breakthrough in Paris
The deal reached in Paris at the end of last year was a remarkable outcome. This is not because of the ambition associated with national pledges. These remain voluntary and … read more »
Study: UK-wide £20 a tonne carbon tax would have 'little impact' on consumers
Business Green, 11 January
2015
The greatest threat to the COP21 negotiations
World Economic Forum Agenda, 27 November 2015
Climate change and cities: a prime source of problems, yet key to a solution
Ahead of the COP21 UN climate summit, Nicholas Stern and Dimitri Zenghelis argue that the choices cities make today on transport and industry will determine whether the world can benefit from resource-efficient growth read more »
Tough love
Llewellyn Consulting, 27 October 2014
Oil prices fall on China stock market turbulence
Business Green, 25 August
A cost-effective balance between taxes on fossil fuel pollution and support for cleaner alternatives
There is a danger that the current tinkering to subsidies and taxes affecting renewables in the UK will result in incoherence that will hinder efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. read more »
El cambio climático como trampolín para la innovación empresarial
Dimitri Zenghelis, economista jefe de la Global Commission on the Economy and Climate, advierte de la posición de ventaja de China en este campo read more »
Pétrole bon marché: une chance plutôt qu'un obstacle pour le climat?
France 24, 12 February 2015
2014
Too soon to declare that Europe has ‘made the wrong bet’
FT – Letters, 1 December 2014
Governments must stop 'dithering' over climate action, warns report
New study from Grantham Institute says costs of tackling climate change will spiral unless concerted action is taken urgently read more »
Climate change policies 'can increase UK competitiveness'
Grantham Institute study says climate legislation has not harmed UK businesses and there is no case for weakening carbon targets read more »
UK climate change policies have not harmed economy, report says
Grantham Institute study says climate legislation has not harmed UK businesses read more »
The Costs of Climate Change
A new study projects the economic damage caused by global warming will be significantly higher than previous models predict. read more »
Keep the climate, change the economy
The UN says we need to make a 'massive shift' to renewables to curb climate change. How can we encourage investors? read more »
What do economic models tell us?
“It is difficult to make predictions, especially about the future” – so goes the saying. The same applies to economic modelling. This is not just the trite point that it … read more »
Nicholas Stern and Dimitri Zenghelis respond to publication of new climate change report
“This comprehensive report shows that it will still be possible to achieve the target, agreed by countries at the United Nations climate change summit in Cancùn in 2010, of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to have a reasonable chance of avoiding global warming of more than 2 centigrade degrees. read more »
Richard Tol's flawed claims about the Stern Review
Business Spectator, 9 April 2014
A flawed conversation about the Stern Review
An article published on 2 April by ‘The Conversation’ by Professor Richard Tol, under the headline ‘IPCC report shows Stern inflated climate change costs’, contains a number of significant errors … read more »
Thinking aloud tackling climate change can the cities lead?
Urban Nature, Vol. 1 No. 4. January 2014.
2013
There are good economists and bad economists
Dimitri Zenghelis argues the case for economics to play a central role in climate policy read more »
In the Balance, Paying to Pollute
BBC World Service
Focus on: Dimitri Zenghelis
Journal of Environmental Investing
Interview Journal of Environmental Investing
Vol 4, No 1 (2013) – Sept 2013
Earth Dialogues
Panellist with Michael Gorbacev, Ruud Lubbers and others. Green Cross International Conference, Geneva,
Why economic models tell us so little about the future
Dimitri Zenghelis explains the complex limitations faced by economic models that can serve to slow down the transition to a sustainable economy read more »
The politics and economics of change
Business Green July 11 2013
How innovation could deliver a virtuous green growth spiral
Dimitri Zenghelis argues that innovation can tackle the looming resource crunch - it just needs intelligent policies if it is to be unlocked read more »
Why now is the best possible time to invest in Green
Business Green March 18, 2013
A Credible Strategy to Stimulate Growth
Now is the time to support resource-efficient investment because costs and barriers are low. Credible green policies could restore confidence and generate growth read more »
2012
Global Problems City Solutions
LSE Cities, December 2012
‘Is Europe falling behind the world leaders in green growth? What can be done about it?’
Carbon Trust Annual debate moderated by Camilla Cavendish from the Times
Presentation to Electric City Urban Age conference
The Clean Revolution
Making Sustainability Pay
The Globalist, November 2012
Climate cash, please
Letter to the Chancellor in the Telegraph, November 2012
Evidence to the Environmental Audit Committee
December 2012
Green subsidies
BBC World Service interview with Lesley Curwen, October 2012 read more »
Das Kommunale ist global. Der weltweite Klimawandel lässt sich nur durch Grüne Städte stoppenpaper
Co-authored with Philipp Rode on green cities for the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP).
Is It More Important to Save the Euro than the Environment?
Discussion held at Imperial College, July 2012
Restoring growth and confidence through green innovation
e!Sharp. June 2012.
Accelerators-and Brakes-on the Road to a Green Growth Economy
Presentation. Breakthrough Capitalism Forum. June 2012.
Appeal for Urgent Action on Climate Change
11 June, 2012, Geneva
Green investments can overcome the paradox of thrift
The New Statesman, June 2012
What is the role of energy innovation in delivering a secure, affordable low carbon economy?
EuroNews, Comments Visions. Discussion. May 2012.
Ten principles for an effective business and innovation policy in the UK
The Growth Factory: 21st century industrial strategy for the UK. May 2012.
We need a Queen’s Speech for growth
Financial Times – registration is required.
2011
New book: 'Living in the Endless City'
Lord Nicholas Stern, Philipp Rode (Executive Director of LSE cities) and Dimitri Zenghelis have authored a chapter in this book, entitled 'City Solutions to Global Problems'. read more »
HM Treasury hamstrings the Green Investment Bank
Yesterday, following his speech on the green economy, I asked the Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, why the new Green Investment Bank will not be allowed to borrow until 2015, … read more »
Enough already?
Review of Diane Coyle’s book ‘The Economics of Enough’ Nature, Climate Change. read more »
Grasping the opportunity
With the right backing from government, the Green Investment Bank has the potential to unlock huge opportunities for investment and innovation, to drive a greener economy. Dimitri Zenghelis makes the … read more »
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP): groundbreaking report
UNEP has published a new report: 'Towards a Green Economy: pathways to sustainable development and poverty eradication|'. Dimitri Zenghelis, a Senior Visiting Fellow at the Grantham Research Institute, was a contributing author of the chapter on cities. read more »
Comparing Costs and Benefits
Review of Bjorn Lomborg’s book “Smart Solutions to Climate Change” read more »
2010
Joint Critique of Bjørn Lomborg's Pronouncements on Climate Change
The Guardian, 2 September 2010
Still wary of Bjørn Lomborg's pronouncements on climate change
Bjørn Lomborg’s change of mind on climate change is welcome, and some of his suggestions good, but your glowing review of his new book failed to examine deeply his shift … read more »
Science fact, climate fiction - clarifying the debate
At a time of renewed backlash against climate science, three recent books—Stephen H. Schneider’s Science as a Contact Sport, James Hansen’s Storms of My Grandchildren and James Hoggan’s Climate Cover-Up—collectively … read more »
Copenhagen Discord: Bottom-Up Investing in a Global Landscape
The Journal of Environmental Investing, Vol 1, No 1 (March 2010)
2008
The Question of Global Warming: An Exchange
William D. Nordhaus, Dimitri Zenghelis and Leigh Sullivan
Grantham seminar | Prof. John A. Mathews: "Greening of industry: China’s green development model as driver"
Grantham seminar introduced and chaired by Dimitri Zenghelis, Co-Head of Climate Policy at the Grantham Research Institute Western industrialism has achieved miracles, promoting unprecedented levels of prosperity and raising hundreds … read more »
The fifth carbon budget: how will it affect the UK’s competitiveness?
The Government must legislate the level of the fifth carbon budget, covering the period 2028 to 2032, by the end of June 2016. This event will explore the ambition of … read more »
2015
Credibility of national actions and INDCs: worldwide legislative and policy developments (COP21 event)
Side event at COP21/CMP11 in Paris, France read more »
Grantham Workshop - Dimitri Zenghelis - "Path dependence, innovation and the economics of climate change"
Dimitri Zenghelis, Co-Head of Climate Policy at the Grantham Research Institute will be the speaker for this seminar. For a copy of Dimitri’s upcoming presentation please click here.
2009
Environmental Alpha: Institutional Investors and Climate Change
Chapter author in book, published October 2009 – Link to publisher
Global Carbon Trading: A Framework for Reducing Emissions
Contributor to Lazarowicz Review commissioned by the UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown, July 2009 – External link to publication
The Economics of Climate Change in Southeast Asia: A Regional Review
This report reviews the economics of climate change in Southeast Asia, with a particular focus on Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam. It confirms that the region is highly vulnerable to climate change, demonstrates that a wide range of adaptation measures are already being applied, and that it has great potential to contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions globally. read more »
2007
The State of Responsible Competitiveness 2007
Accountability 2007 (Chapter author, p47) – External link to publication
