Economics in Action

Sixth form students attended the Economics in Action lectures at the Emmanuel Centre in London, where we had the opportunity to hear from world-class economists on a range of fascinating topics. The lectures covered areas such as the economic costs of global disasters, how firms trade on the stock market, and the effects of unemployment on the UK economy. We also participated in an exam technique masterclass, which will be particularly useful when writing essays and applying economic concepts effectively.

One of the highlights of the event was the chance to engage with leading economists, asking questions and gaining insights into the real-world application of economic principles. This experience provided a valuable perspective on what economists actually do and the impact they have on the world around us.

My personal favourite lecture was delivered by Stephen Davies from the Institute of Economic Affairs on The Economics of Global Catastrophic Risks. He explored how economists must consider not only familiar risks but also large-scale disasters that could have long-lasting effects on society. He explained that due to resource scarcity and the depletion of easily accessible materials, a major global catastrophe could prevent society from ever fully recovering to its previous levels of prosperity. His talk challenged the traditional economic focus on the immediate present and emphasized the need to think long-term when addressing these risks. Overall, the event was an enriching experience, broadening our understanding of economics beyond textbooks and showing us how it shapes the world we live in. Pawel Mackinlay 12CHL