Peter Bennett, the benefactor behind the Bennett Institute for Policy Acceleration and Innovation, visited the University of Sussex Business School this week for an afternoon of discussions at the Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts. 

Dr. Clive Hayter, Senior Institute Manager, introduced the Institute’s mission to tackle pressing issues such as soaring temperatures, increasing forest fires, and drought. He outlined the ambitious goals set for 2030 and the Institute’s emerging research themes: climate interventions, urban sustainability, global energy equity and justice, investment and finance, AI for sustainability, and natural resource management. 

Peter Bennett said, “We looked around the UK for the best and brightest people to get behind and it’s been an amazing two year journey since.  

“Anybody who knows about this is going to want to work with you. My thanks to everybody at the University who has been involved - this has been such a seamless, easy process.” 

The event featured presentations from the Institute’s three chairs. 

Professor Benjamin Sovacool emphasised the importance of a just transition. He highlighted the adverse effects of green initiatives on  indigenous communities affected by mining for electric car batteries as well as other marginalised groups. 

Professor Matthew Argawala discussed the economic impacts of emissions, noting how pollution reduces productivity and disproportionately affects those who are not the primary polluters. He also called for a redefinition of productivity to account for emissions. 

Professor Felix Creutzig focused on whether AI can help us achieve our climate change goals. He discussed earth alignment – how AI can be good for people and how we can make sure it’s good for the planet too. 

This event served as a precursor to a public launch event of the Institute in Westminster on 27 February 2025, which aims to engage a broader audience in these critical discussions