Environmental Economics: Circular Economy, Green Innovation and Economic Impacts of Weather Shocks – Interview with Dr. Federico Zilia (University of Milan)

Dr. Federico Zilia (University of Milan) in conversation with Sinan Barış Yaşar (HGGS)

- What role can the circular economy approach play in addressing current environmental challenges? - How can we distinguish “green innovations” from conventional innovations in the context of increasing concerns about greenwashing? - In what ways do weather shocks affect the economy of a region?

In this episode, we are delighted to welcome Dr. Federico Zilia from the Department of Environmental Science and Policy at the University of Milan and a contributing professor in the 4EU+ Program, Collegio Futuro: Interdisciplinary College for Doctoral Students 2026, who guides us through the intersection of economics and environmental policy. Our conversation focuses on the circular economy, green innovation, and the economic impacts of weather shocks. Dr. Zilia elaborates on the role of geographical indications, highlights the importance of sustainability management using the example of sea urchin waste, and discusses the challenges that weather shocks pose to labor markets and export goods. Moreover, the episode underscores the value of interdisciplinary approaches in research and reflects on the responsibility of companies in adopting and advancing sustainable practices. Join us as we explore the dynamic field of environmental economics and examine how it plays a crucial role in addressing some of today’s most pressing environmental challenges!

Timeline (00:00) Intro (00:24) Introducing Dr. Federico Zilia (02:52) Exploring Environmental Economics (06:11) The Circular Economy: Concept and Applications (12:38) Sea Urchin Waste: A Case Study in the Circular Economy Approach (14:49) Key Lessons for Companies in Adopting Circular Economy Models (17:54) How to Identify Greenwashing? (20:55) Geographical Indications and Intellectual Capital (25:20) Green Innovation and Green Patents (30:27) The Need for a Change in the Understanding of Geographical Indications (33:20) Weather Shocks and Their Effects on Economic Dynamics (35:13) Effects of Climate Change on Labor Reallocation and Export Goods (40:28) Methodological Challenges of Interdisciplinary Research in Environmental Economics (45:21) Collegio Futuro 2026 (48:56) Future Research Directions and Personal Insights (53:01) Outro

Keywords Environmental Economics, Circular Economy, Green Innovation, Green Patents, Climate Change, Environment Policy, Environmental Science, Geographical Indications, Sustainability, Labor Market, Labor Reallocation, Weather Shocks, Interdisciplinary Research, Quantitative Research, Economic Methodology, Research Methods, Wine Industry, Wine Export, Economic Outcomes, Sea Urchin Waste, Regulation, Greenwashing, Local Products, Us and Them, Heidelberg University, University of Milan, Scientific Podcast, Academic Podcast.