Northeastern University London Economics taster lecture

This free virtual taster lecture is designed for Year 11 and Year 12 students who are thinking about what to study at university. It offers an accessible introduction to economics through a real-world topic, making it suitable for students who want to explore the subject before making subject choices or university applications.

The session focuses on the idea that there is no such thing as a cheap lunch. It explores how the true costs of food can show up later in health, land use, and climate, and asks whether the healthiest diet is always the greenest choice.

The lecture also looks at policy responses such as taxes on sugar and fat, and uses current examples to ask what share prices can reveal and who ultimately pays for the cost of creating a healthier food system.