University of Oxford
11a Mansfield Rd
OX1 3SZ
UK
Visiting Researcher
Ashley Bang
Background
I am an applied ecologist who uses spatial and statistical data modelling techniques to address the nexus between climate, nature, and business. With diverse public and private sector experience, I am passionate about developing practical and science-based frameworks to inform corporate nature and climate strategies.
In my role at The Biodiversity Consultancy, I support business and financial stakeholders in developing nature positive strategies and net zero transition pathways. My academic research at Oxford encompasses themes of urban biodiversity conservation, climate change adaptation, and sustainable development in the APAC region. I hold an undergraduate degree in Geology and Biology from Brown University and Master’s in Sustainability, Enterprise and the Environment from the University of Oxford.
In my role at The Biodiversity Consultancy, I support business and financial stakeholders in developing nature positive strategies and net zero transition pathways. My academic research at Oxford encompasses themes of urban biodiversity conservation, climate change adaptation, and sustainable development in the APAC region. I hold an undergraduate degree in Geology and Biology from Brown University and Master’s in Sustainability, Enterprise and the Environment from the University of Oxford.
Research Interests
Having grown up in large Asian cities like Hong Kong, Singapore, and Tokyo, I became interested in bridging principles of nature conservation and climate change mitigation with societal development goals in this region. My research is centred around the development of nature positive and climate-resilient adaptation pathways for business stakeholders and urban communities. In particular, I am interested in identifying effective areas for private sector engagement in supporting a nature positive transition and informing policies that jointly address climate and nature outcomes.
Current Research
Ashley’s dissertation investigates opportunities for nature-based solutions to align nature and climate policy agendas, specifically in Hong Kong. By quantitatively assessing the monetary and non-monetary contributions that natural ecosystems make to climate mitigation and adaptation strategies, her project will inform the development of Hong Kong’s climate and biodiversity strategies. She is also involved in research that investigates the role of business in delivering global biodiversity goals: how businesses can effectively adapt practices and investments to reduce impacts on nature, deliver positive biodiversity outcomes, and facilitate a socially just transition.
Brief CV
Education
2023 – present: MSc Sustainability, Enterprise and the Environment, University of Oxford
2015 –2019: BSc Geology-Biology (Honors), Brown University
Work Experience:
2023 – Present: Principal Consultant, The Biodiversity Consultancy
2020 – 2023: Head Data Scientist, ADM Capital Foundation
2019 – 2020: Fulbright Research Fellow, Academia Sinica Biodiversity Research Center
Publications
Bang A. (2023) Accounting for Biodiversity: Towards measuring and valuing the biodiversity impacts of financial investments. ADM Capital Foundation.
Bang A, Kuo CY, Wen CKC, Cherh KL, Ho MJ, Cheng NY, et al. (2021) Quantifying coral reef resilience to climate change and human development: an evaluation of multiple empirical frameworks. Frontiers in Marine Science.
Hundertmark WJ, Lee M, Smith IA, Bang A, Gately C, Templer PH, Hutyra LR. (2021) Influence of Urban Management Practices on Urban Greenhouse Gas Budgets. Carbon Balance and Management.
Vanthournout H & Bang A. (2021) Eat Without Waste: Hong Kong’s takeaway packaging challenge. ADM Capital Foundation.
Sumaila UR, Cheung WWL, Teh LSL, Bang A, Cashion T, Zeng Z et al. (2021) Sink or Swim: The future of fisheries in the East and South China Sea. ADM Capital Foundation.