INSURE is an interdisciplinary, action-research project at Newcastle University Business School, funded by Newcastle City Council. The project develops practical finance solutions to help cities and local authorities advance net-zero, climate-resilient, and sustainable living.

The project brings together expertise in data science and advanced modelling, climate risk and decision theory, green finance and economic analysis, and urban policy. Using action research and co-design with local authorities, businesses, community groups, and financial institutions, we identify and test innovative, blended finance mechanisms for local climate action and sustainable development. Through data-driven analysis, we generate robust evidence to enable policy advice for decision-makers at city and local government levels.

INSURE will produce policy-relevant reports, practical toolkits, and decision-support tools for Newcastle City Council and other cities. Our work aims to mobilise public and private investment in ways that are effective, equitable, and aligned with a just, regenerative transition to sustainable living.

Key themes:

• Mapping and evaluating innovative finance instruments for mitigation and adaptation

• Integrating climate risk, economic analysis, and decision-making under uncertainty

• Enabling stronger governance and policy for sustainable, city-level climate solutions in local government