Poppy Allen

Poppy Allen, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Environmental Science and Public Policy at the Greenfield Institute in Boston. She is a passionate advocate for sustainable development with a focus on renewable energy policies from a global viewpoint. Poppy's research delves into three critical areas: sustainable urban planning throughout the development cycle, the integration of smart technology in enhancing environmental sustainability, and the impact of innovative green technologies on economic growth. Her work spans diverse ecosystems, from the bustling cities of Tokyo and Berlin to the serene landscapes of Costa Rica, Finland, New Zealand, and rural parts of India.

Poppy is actively involved as a research consultant with the International Renewable Energy Agency and collaborates closely with the Global Green Growth Institute. Prior to her tenure at Greenfield, she was a faculty member at the London School of Economics and spent time as a visiting scholar at Stanford University. In 2023, Poppy led a groundbreaking project that implemented solar-powered solutions in remote communities in Africa, significantly improving access to clean energy and fostering local economic activities.

Today, on December 8th, 2024, Poppy finds herself in Cape Town, South Africa, where she is scheduled to present her latest findings at the annual Global Sustainability Conference. Her presentation will explore new methods for integrating renewable resources into existing infrastructure without disrupting community life. Poppy’s approach is not only academically rigorous but also deeply rooted in practical applications, aiming to create tangible changes that benefit societies around the world.