Pushpam Kumar has been serving as the Chief of the Programme Management Unit (Ecosystems Economics) at the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) in Nairobi since 2010. His expertise lies in leadership related to planetary and human health, integrating environmental changes into macro-economic policies, consensus building, and capacity development in project management within the realm of environment and development. Pushpam's pivotal role during 2021-2024 involved spearheading the integration of UNEP's work with the UN Network of Economists (UNEN) and fostering collaborations between UNEP and the World Bank on crucial issues like beyond Gross Domestic Product, nature-based solutions, inclusive wealth, and climate finance.
Previously, Pushpam held significant positions such as Chief of the Ecosystem Services Economics Unit (2010-2015) and Coordinator of the Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Branch (2015-2016) within the Ecosystems Division at UNEP, where his leadership was highly esteemed. He played a key role in establishing the foundation for the Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB). He led various teams focusing on areas like TEEB Agrifood, Natural Capital, and the Economics of Land Degradation in Africa and Asia, emphasizing the importance of nature in financial and economic planning.
Pushpam's contributions extend beyond UNEP as he has been involved in numerous prestigious roles and initiatives, including being a Member of the Core Group on Beyond GDP of the UN Secretary General, co-chairing the Policy and Technical Committee of the Wealth Accounting and Valuation of Ecosystem Services (WAVES) Programme, and leading various research and assessment endeavours related to environmental economics and ecosystem valuation globally.
His dedication to advancing environmental economics and sustainable practices is evident through his extensive involvement in international platforms like the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and various assessment initiatives, showcasing his commitment to promoting a harmonious relationship between human activities and the environment.
Pushpam is a recognized figure in environment and development, boasting an impressive array of roles and contributions:
- Member of the Core Group on Beyond GDP of the UN Secretary General
- Co-Chaired Policy and the Technical Committee of the Wealth Accounting and Valuation of Ecosystem Services (WAVES) Programme led by the World Bank (2011-16)
- Member of the 'Expert Panel of the National Ecosystem Assessment (NEA),' UK (2008-11)
- Working Group Leader for the Multi-Million Initiative on Economics of Land Degradation (ELD) Initiative by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)
- Research Consortium Director for Strengthening Capacity in Valuation of Regulating Services of Ecosystems under Environmental Sustainability Policy Action (ESPA) supported by DFID, NERC, and the ESRC, UK (2009-2010)
- Head, Technical Support Unit (TSU), Responses Working Group, Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (2000-2005)
- Member Secretary, World Bank Aided Capacity Building in Environmental Economics in South Asia (1998-2001)
- Lead Author for IPCC, Fourth Assessment Report (FAR), (WGIII)
- Lead Author for Sub-Global Assessment, Millennium Ecosystem Assessment
- Member of The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) Study Board and Leader for the Conceptual Foundation of TEEB
- Advisory Board member of the Gulbenkian Ocean Initiative (Lisbon)
- Associated with the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize-winning IPCC as the Lead Author for the Fourth Assessment of the IPCC (Mitigation)
- Coordinating Lead Author (CLA) and coordinator of 'Responses Working Group' of the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA) (2000-2005)
He has a rich academic background. He is a distinguished expert in environment and development. With a Ph.D. in Environmental Economics from the University of Delhi and a Post Doctoral from the Department of Applied Economics at the University of Minnesota, St. Paul, USA, Pushpam's expertise is unparalleled.
During his tenure as Reader (Associate Professor in Environmental Economics) at the University of Liverpool, UK, from 2007 to 2010, Pushpam made significant contributions to the field. His global impact extends as an International Fellow at Boston College, Honorary Research Scientist at Columbia University, NY, and Extraordinary Professor at the University of Pretoria, South Africa.
Pushpam's work is widely recognized, with publications in journals like Science, Lancet, Nature, and more. He has also authored and edited over eight books on the Economics of Sustainability Science, collaborating with prestigious publishers such as Cambridge University Press and Oxford University Press.
Pushpam is a sought-after public speaker on planetary and human health, sustainability science, and economics. His expertise has been featured in prominent media outlets like BBC, Forbes, and Nature Sustainability, showcasing his influence on a global scale.
Beyond his professional endeavours, Pushpam finds solace in classical music and delves into the rich cultural histories of the world, reflecting his diverse interests and intellectual curiosity.
