Gernot Wagner was born in Austria and has lived in the USA for many years. He has been teaching and researching at Columbia Business School since 2022, before which he was at New York University and Harvard University. As a thought leader and advocate for sustainability, Wagner notes that addressing the climate crisis is not just a moral imperative but also an economic opportunity. It is crucial to price negative environmental impacts and to transition to clean energy. 

Wagner also highlights the symbiotic relationship between urban environments and nature. He emphasizes how dense city living can make room for the preservation of natural spaces, stressing that urban areas and nature are mutually dependent. This perspective challenges the notion that city life and nature must be at odds and underscores the importance of smart urban planning in fostering sustainability.