Economics Observatory
@econ-observatory.bsky.social
580 followers 95 following 800 posts
Daily answers to economic questions. Policy briefings, writing & data masterclasses & a new data hub.
Posts Media Videos Starter Packs
econ-observatory.bsky.social
The world’s largest arms producers earned over $606 billion in 2023 — almost double their revenue in 2002.

Today's #ChartOfTheDay, based on @sipri.org data, tracks the growth of the global arms industry.
econ-observatory.bsky.social
The West of England has a diverse economy, including rural areas, services-based jobs and advanced manufacturing hubs. Investment in infrastructure, skills and research and development (R&D) could help to boost the region’s productivity. 🔎👇
How productive is the West of England? - Economics Observatory
The West of England has a diverse economy, including rural areas, services-based jobs and advanced manufacturing hubs. Investment in infrastructure, skills and research and development (R&D) could…
buff.ly
econ-observatory.bsky.social
🌎⚡️ Renewables overtook coal as the world’s leading source of electricity in the first half of 2025, according to new data from @ember-energy.org.

Coal – still a major driver of global warming – was the largest single source of power in 2024, generating 10,538 TWh.
#ChartOfTheDay #Renewables
econ-observatory.bsky.social
Russia 🇷🇺 & the USA 🇺🇸 still dominate the world’s nuclear arsenal — but less than they used to.

In 2000, China 🇨🇳 held less than 1% of global warheads. Now, its share has climbed to over 5% (500 warheads).

#ChartOfTheDay #NuclearWeapons #China
econ-observatory.bsky.social
Council tax is unpopular, unfair and overdue for reform. An alternative would be to fund statutory services through central government, introduce a modest local service charge, and absorb stamp duty and capital gains tax on housing into a single recurrent residential land & property ownership fee.
What future for residential property taxation in Britain? - Economics Observatory
Council tax is unpopular, unfair and overdue for reform. An alternative would be to fund statutory services through central government, introduce a modest local service charge, and absorb stamp duty…
buff.ly
econ-observatory.bsky.social
🌿 Latin America & Africa — two of the world’s most biodiverse regions — have seen wildlife populations plummet by 95% and 76% respectively since 1970.

🦧 Habitat loss, hunting & exploitation are key drivers.

#ChartOfTheDay
econ-observatory.bsky.social
With great sadness, we mark the passing of Dame Jane Goodall, whose pioneering work has transformed our understanding of nature and conservation, inspiring generations.

In 2023, Dr Goodall shared her stories of protecting biodiversity with us.💚👇
econ-observatory.bsky.social
Yesterday, Kier Starmer delivered his speech to the Labour Party conference. Narratives of decline and broken Britain were countered with a vision of national renewal and optimism, as seen from the most frequent words used in the speech.

#ChartOfTheDay
econ-observatory.bsky.social
Today’s #ChartOfTheDay maps international tourist trips per 1,000 people since 1995.

🌍 Tourism boosts local economies, but also brings hidden costs—overcrowding, infrastructure strain, environmental damage. More cities are turning to “tourist taxes” to offset them. #WorldTourismDay
econ-observatory.bsky.social
As youth unemployment climbs, the youth job guarantee scheme proposed by Rachel Reeves seeks a solution: guaranteed opportunities, whether jobs, education, or apprenticeships, for young people out of work or education for 18+ months.

#ChartOfTheDay
econ-observatory.bsky.social
Energy has increased consistently as a proportion of UK market sector investment in infrastructure, primarily at the expense of mining and quarrying. This demonstrates the changing economic priorities of the UK economy.

#ChartOfTheDay