Helen Mountford

Director of Economics

Bio

Helen Mountford is the Director of Economics at WRI and the Program Director for the New Climate Economy (NCE) initiative. She works with a small team of economists to help support the WRI Signature Initiatives and Centers to integrate an economics angle as appropriate to strengthen the underlying analysis and impact of their work. The New Climate Economy is a major international initiative that provides independent and authoritative evidence on the relationship between actions which can strengthen economic performance and reduce the risk of dangerous climate change. WRI is the managing partner of a group of 8 world-class research institutes supporting the NCE.

Helen previously worked as Deputy Director of Environment for the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development). She worked at OECD for over 16 years advising governments on policy reforms, and overseeing work on green fiscal reform, climate change finance and economics, fossil fuel subsidy reforms, green growth, water pricing, biodiversity incentive measures, and economy-environment outlooks and modelling. Prior to joining the OECD, Helen managed recycling schemes in England and worked for an NGO in Australia.

Helen holds Masters degrees in Environmental Economics from University College London and in Environmental Management from University of Melbourne. She has a BA in Philosophy and History.

Blog Posts

Amid Tragedy, an Opportunity for Smart Recovery
by Helen Mountford - September 20, 2017
Economic impacts linger long after floodwaters recede, with the world's poorest least able to recover. With the world poised to spend $90 trillion on infrastructure over the next decade and a half, New Climate Economy helps quantify some of the benefits to building back smarter, denser and more resilient.
America Doesn’t Have to Choose Between the Economy and the Climate
by Helen Mountford and Joel Jaeger - March 06, 2017
A growing body of research shows that a strong economy and a healthy environment are not only complementary; each depends on the other.
Will the G20 Spur Post-Paris Climate Action? 3 Signs to Look For
by Andrew Light and Helen Mountford - August 15, 2016
The G20 Summit in Hangzhou, China, this September brings together leaders of the world's largest economies for the first such gathering since the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate. China and Germany, the G20's current and incoming presidents, need to demonstrate leadership to prove that the top 20 largest economies are prepared to galvanize strong action on climate and clean energy.
Why a Mechanism to Increase Countries’ Climate Ambition over Time Makes Good Economic Sense
by Yamide Dagnet and Helen Mountford - December 07, 2015
Countries’ new climate plans should be seen as the floor rather than the ceiling. Low-carbon solutions will become increasingly affordable and accessible over time, allowing nations to gradually ratchet up their ambition.
How Big Are Fossil Fuel Subsidies? Let’s Make it Clear
by Helen Mountford and Juan-Carlos Altamirano - November 19, 2015
If we want the public to understand whether the billions of dollars spent on fuel subsidies are the best use of their taxes, we need better, more transparent data on how much countries are spending.
Building a Brighter Future – Powered by Renewable Energy
by Helen Mountford - September 18, 2015
It is impossible to succeed in today's economy without access to energy. But for an estimated 1.3 billion people, mostly in the developing world, electric power is still out of reach. Even among those with energy access, many still face unreliable service and regular blackouts. This is why it is so important that we push for Goal 7 of the proposed Sustainable Development Goals: "ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all."
A Multi-Trillion Dollar Opportunity for Better Growth
by Helen Mountford - July 06, 2015
A new report lays out 10 recommendations that could deliver 96 percent of the emissions reductions needed by 2030 to keep global warming to safe levels while also generating economic benefits.
Pope Francis, Business Executives and Government Leaders Come Together for Climate Action
by Helen Mountford and Kitty van der Heijden - May 29, 2015
A recent event at the Vatican showed how economic growth, climate action and poverty alleviation can occur simultaneously.
By the Numbers: The New Climate Economy
by Helen Mountford and Andrew Steer - September 16, 2014
How should politicians prioritize between robust economic growth and solving the problem of climate change?

A new report reveals an encouraging answer: There’s no need to choose. Better Growth, Better Climate, finds that low-carbon investments—if done right—could cost about the same as conventional infrastructure, but would deliver significantly greater economic, social, and environmental benefits in the long-run.

Making Big Ideas Happen™

Donate to WRI

Other Sites

Menu

Topics

You are here

Helen Mountford

Amid Tragedy, an Opportunity for Smart Recovery

America Doesn’t Have to Choose Between the Economy and the Climate

Will the G20 Spur Post-Paris Climate Action? 3 Signs to Look For

Why a Mechanism to Increase Countries’ Climate Ambition over Time Makes Good Economic Sense

How Big Are Fossil Fuel Subsidies? Let’s Make it Clear

Building a Brighter Future – Powered by Renewable Energy

A Multi-Trillion Dollar Opportunity for Better Growth

Pope Francis, Business Executives and Government Leaders Come Together for Climate Action

By the Numbers: The New Climate Economy

Fact Sheet: Clean Energy Job Growth in The United States

Stay Connected

Donate to WRI

Get Involved

Making Big Ideas Happen™

Donate to WRI

Other Sites

Menu

Topics

Search

You are here

Stay Connected

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTERS

Donate to WRI

Get Involved

Follow WRI