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How Data Changed the Climate Conversation
Host: Wolfgang Fengler
Guest: Sir Andrew Steer KCMG, PhD

How did climate and nature move from the sidelines to the center of global economic decision-making—and what role did data play in that shift?

In this episode of Data Talks, Wolfgang Fengler speaks with Sir Andrew Steer KCMG, PhD—former President & CEO of the Bezos Earth Fund (2021–2025), former President & CEO of the World Resources Institute, and now Professor in Practice at the London School of Economics’ Global School of Sustainability.

Andrew reflects on key turning points in the evolution of environmental economics, including the rise of “natural capital” and the growing demand for evidence-based climate policy. The conversation explores today’s most important data innovations—from satellite and AI-enabled monitoring of forests and carbon stocks to the emerging ability to detect methane emissions from space—and why better measurement doesn’t automatically translate into better action.

They close with a powerful set of numbers about biodiversity loss and the future of development, and what it will take to turn climate data into durable progress.

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Data Talks is produced by World Data Lab, bringing global data to life through insights, conversations, and stories that matter.

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In this episode of Data Talks, we’re joined by Benedikt Höwedes, World Cup winner with Germany, former long-time captain of FC Schalke 04, and a leader shaped by elite football environments.

Benedikt reflects on his journey from academy football to captaining his boyhood club, and on playing every minute of Germany’s 2014 World Cup triumph. The conversation explores how football has evolved, from physical demands and tactics to data, performance science, and the growing complexity of the modern game.

At the heart of this episode is a clear message: despite analytics, technology, and commercial growth, football remains a human game. Leadership, trust, team culture, and connection still define success at the highest level.

A thoughtful conversation at the intersection of data, performance, and the people behind the game.

Note this episode is in German

🔗 Learn more at worlddatalab.com
Data Talks is produced by World Data Lab, bringing global data to life through insights, conversations, and stories that matter.

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This episode of our podcast brings together Wolfgang Fengler and Shamina Singh for a powerful conversation on inclusion, data, and the rapidly changing digital-to-AI economy. Shamina shares the origin story of the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, the shift from the analog world to a data-driven one, and why networks and access determine economic opportunity. Together, they explore the rising “data divide,” the role of AI in shaping the next decade, and how organizations can ensure technology serves people, not leaves them behind. The discussion spans financial inclusion, privacy, regulation, human-centered innovation, and the global middle-class transformation, all framed through real-world impact and shared values. It’s a thoughtful, energizing episode that captures the spirit of building a more inclusive and connected world.

🔗 Learn more at worlddatalab.com
Data Talks is produced by World Data Lab, bringing global data to life through insights, conversations, and stories that matter.