Nature and the economy: Environmental change, economic adjustment, and policy challenges - call for papers
The Centre for Economic Transition Expertise (CETEx), alongside partners Sustainable Macro, Centre for Latin American Monetary Studies (CEMLA) and Sureal, invites submissions for an academic conference on the macroeconomic and financial dimensions of nature degradation in Latin America and the Caribbean. The conference will take place from 2 – 3 October in Mexico City.
Latin America and the Caribbean, one of the world’s most biodiverse regions, plays a critical role in sustaining ecosystems, livelihoods, and global supply chains. However, pressures from land-use change, natural resource utilisation, and marine degradation are placing growing strain on the region’s natural capital, with far-reaching economic and financial consequences. These dynamics—exacerbated by climate change—threaten macroeconomic stability, deepen social vulnerabilities, and expose the region to both physical and transition risks, particularly as new trade rules such as the EU Deforestation Regulation reshape market access.
We are inviting submissions of abstracts or draft papers that examine these dynamics through a macroeconomic or financial lens. Topics of interest include nature-related physical and transition risks; trade-offs between economic growth and environmental sustainability; debt-for-nature swaps and other fiscal instruments; implications of sustainability regulations such as the EU Deforestation Regulation; and the social and labour market impacts of environmental change. We particularly welcome research that explores trade, exchange rates, asset prices, bank lending, and economic modelling in the context of ecological transition. Papers should aim to advance understanding of how nature risks shape the economic future of the Latin America and the Caribbean region.
Abstracts are due by 27 July 2025. If selected, full draft papers must be submitted by 5 September.
Further details of the context, potential topic areas and submission process can be found here, and the registration form can be accessed via this link. Please read the submission details before you register to ensure your research aligns with the topics of the call.