The Global School of Sustainability, has announced funding to 13 sustainability research projects in the inaugural funding round of the Global Sustainability Research Fund.

And the projects of two STICERD professors - Gharad Bryan and Clare Balboni - have been selected:

Climate Security and Informal Settlements: Evidence from Sierra Leone.

In Freetown, Sierra Leone, rising climate pressures are forcing families from rural areas into already crowded, flood-prone neighbourhoods. Life there can be precarious, as rapid growth in informal settlements increases the risks of flooding, disease, and economic hardship. Professor Gharad Bryan's project explores how climate driven migration is reshaping African cities. The research will quantify the economic, social, and health costs of climate vulnerable neighbourhoods and evaluate the costs and benefits of potential policy responses. The findings aim to guide municipal governments in balancing climate resilience with inclusive urban growth.

The Economics of Environmental Inequality

Climate change and the policies designed to address it do not affect everyone equally. Vulnerable communities often bear the brunt of climate impacts, while poorly designed policies risk deepening existing disparities. This project led by Professor Francisco Ferreira (LSE International Inequalities Institute) and Professor Clare Balboni pushes the boundaries of research at the intersection of climate, policy, and inequality. The project will examine how the costs and benefits of climate impacts and policies are distributed across different groups, exploring who gains, who bears the burden, and how this shapes public support for environmental action. This work contributes to critical debates around climate justice, inclusive growth, and equitable policy design.

Commenting on these awards, Professor Susana Mourato, LSE Vice President and Pro-Vice Chancellor of Research, said: "These outstanding projects mark a milestone for LSE and our new Global School of Sustainability, bringing bold ideas to life as we lead efforts toward a more resilient, prosperous, and sustainable world."

Find out more here.