This is the first in a series of Economic Statistics Working Group (ESWG)* seminars on the “missing capitals” — assets such as natural, human and social capital which traditionally have received less attention in economic analysis and debate but which are increasingly recognised to be central.
This session was devoted to issues concerning the measurement of natural capital. It features Sir Partha Dasgupta, whose landmark report on Biodiversity calls for improvements to economic accounting to recognise and measure natural assets and progressively move towards measuring inclusive wealth. Professor Dasgupta spoke about his recommendations alongside presentations from other distinguished experts in this field.
Presentations
Recording
Programme
Why we need changes to economic accounting for natural assets – Sir Partha Dasgupta (Frank Ramsay Emeritus Professor of Economics. University of Cambridge)
Data needs for ecosystem assessment: issues and ways forward – Hilary Allison (Head of Programme, Ecosystem Assessment of Policy Support. United Nations Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre)
Accounting for nature: meeting the challenges – Richard Heys (Deputy Chief Economic Adviser, Office for National Statistics)
Measuring natural assets for human well-being – Paul Ekins (Professor of Resources and Environment Policy. UCL Institute for Sustainable Resources)
Chair: Tera Allas (Director of Research and Economics, McKinsey & Company, UK & Ireland)
Panel Discussion: What’s the agenda now? How do we now make a practical difference?
Karen Ellis (Director of Sustainable Economy WWF-UK)
Philip Aldrick (Economics Editor, The Times)
John Curnow (Chief Economist, Defra)
Chair: Joe Grice (Co-chair, Green Growth Knowledge Platform Expert Group on Natural Capital)
*ESWG – the Economic Statistics Working Group - is a collaboration between the Royal Statistical Society, the Royal Economic Society, the Society of Professional Economists, Economic Statistics Centre of Excellence and the Office for National Statistics. Its objects are to raise the profile of, and to stimulate debate about, issues in economic measurement.
