Matthew Ives

Matthew is an economist and complex systems modeller currently working on the Oxford Martin School Programme for Post-Carbon Transition. This cutting-edge programme is focussed on positive solutions to climate change through the identification of sensitive intervention points designed to help bring about the rapid reductions in global emissions necessary to meet our Paris Agreement obligations.

Through this programme Matthew is able to combine his experience in systems modelling with his passion for sustainability. The earth and our human interactions with it form a highly complex system of systems. Such complex systems are very difficult to understand, let alone manage. Fortunately we have the benefit of computer simulations and an ever increasing amount of data to help with this endeavour. Dr Ives is currently working to develop a new suite of such economic models based on complexity and production network theory to investigate the existence of sensitive intervention points.

Dr Ives has previously worked both in the private and public sectors on a diverse range of programmes related to sustainability on land, air and sea. His past research ventures have included developing national decarbonisation pathways for the UK; modelling long-term infrastructure planning around water, energy, waste and transport with the UK government, and the United Nations; working on sustainability indicators for the US Forest service; and on modelling commercially important fisheries in Australia. He has also spent a number of years as a professional software developer in both small and large private enterprises.

Matthew holds a Masters of Environmental Management from Portland State University, USA, as well as an Honours degree in Economics and a PhD in systems modelling from the University of NSW, Australia. Matthew is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and a research member of Wolfson College, Oxford.