The 21st century growth story: economics and opportunities of climate action

Hosted by the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment and the Global School of Sustainability

The world stands at a crossroads. The next decade will determine whether we avoid climate, biodiversity, and economic catastrophe – or unlock a new era of sustainable, resilient, and inclusive growth.

Marking the publication of his new book, The Growth Story of the 21st Century: The Economics and Opportunity of Climate Action, Nicholas Stern will challenge the outdated idea that we must choose between climate action and development. Drawing on economics, finance, policy, politics, and behavioural science, Lord Stern will explore why this transformation is essential, what it entails, and how we can achieve it. Lord Stern will present a story of optimism – about how investment and rapid technological advances, including digitisation and AI, can drive change at scale. But he will not shy away from the immense challenges ahead. With clear and practical strategies for national and international action, he will call on leaders, businesses, and individuals alike, ahead of the COP30 United Nations climate change summit in Belém, Brazil, in November 2025, to take the future in our hands, and recognise that delay is the riskiest option of all.

Meet our speaker and chair

Nicholas Stern is IG Patel Chair of Economics and Government and the inaugural Chair of the Global School of Sustainability at LSE. His forthcoming book The Growth Story of the 21st Century: The Economics and Opportunity of Climate Action will be published by LSE Press.

How to attend

In-person: You can request one ticket via the online ticket request form, which will be open after 12noon on Monday 13 October. The ticket line will stay open until all tickets have been allocated.

Online: Registration will open in early October.