How to save the planet I LSE Festival exhibition

The social sciences are critical in tackling the existential challenges that we face. Whilst some solutions may be scientific or technological, it is human behaviours and cultures, political systems and economic structures that will determine whether we use them.

From better understanding the value of nature, to improving urban design, and from revealing the role of community action, to holding those with the power to make a difference to account, this exhibition explores how LSE research is shaping a more sustainable future.

Forests and oceans

Featuring research from: Centre for Economic Transition Expertise (CETEx); Dr Thomas Smith; Dr Clare Balboni, Professor Robin Burgess and Peter Le (STICERD); Dr Ieva Kazlauskaitė; Bingqian Gao; Dr Siva Thambisetty.
Download exhibition content:
Forests and fire (pdf)
The value of oceans: What do we need for a productive and healthy ocean economy? (pdf)
The value of oceans: How can models help predict sea level rise? (pdf)

Sustainable cities

Featuring research from: Urban95 Academy (LSE Cities); Dr Alexandra Gomes; International Growth Centre (IGC).

Download exhibition content:
The importance of child-friendly urban design (pdf)

Holding the powerful to account

Featuring research from: TPI Global Climate Transition Centre (TPI Centre); Professor Riccardo Crescenzi and Oliver Harman; Pauline Jerrentrup; Dr Steven McCulloch

Download exhibition content:
Addressing gender-based violence in supply chains (pdf)
How can we assess if corporates are meeting their environmental commitments (pdf)
Why must a pear cross three continents before reaching a lunchbox? (pdf)
What is the role of professional responsibility and influence? The case of animal welfare and meat consumption (pdf)

People and action

Featuring research from: Department of Anthropology; Dr Ganga Shreedhar; Amanda Segnini.

Download exhibition content:
Entangled environments (pdf)
Community action in Pulicat, Tamil Nadu, India (pdf)
Am I a climate activist? (pdf)

Find out more

Read more about the featured research and find links to other related work.

This event was part of the LSE Festival: How to save the planet running from Monday 15 to Saturday 20 June 2026. This year's Festival explored how existential threats including the climate crisis, conflict and AI are affecting all parts of the world, transforming the way and where we live, and how our societies function. With a series of events asking what can we be doing to save the Earth, its people and environment?

LSE holds a wide range of events, covering many of the most controversial issues of the day, and speakers at our events may express views that cause offence. The views expressed by speakers at LSE events do not reflect the position or views of the London School of Economics and Political Science.