Podcasts · Science

Environmental Insights: Conversations on policy and practice from the Harvard Environmental Economics Program

Harvard Environmental Economics Program

76 episodes

Hosted by Robert N. Stavins, A.J. Meyer Professor of Energy and Economic Development at Harvard Kennedy School and director of the Harvard Environmental Economics Program and the Harvard Project on Climate Agreements, Environmental Insights is intended to promote public discourse on important issues at the intersection of economics and environmental policy.

More about the show

“Environmental Insights is intended to inform and educate listeners about important issues relating to an economic perspective on developments in environmental policy, including the design and implementation of market-based approaches to environmental protection,” said Stavins. “We speak with accomplished Harvard colleagues, other academics, and practitioners who are working on solving some of the most challenging public problems we face.”

Environmental Insights is hosted on SoundCloud and is also available on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Pocket Casts, Podcast Addict, and Spotify.

PHOTO: by Gustavo Quepón on Unsplash

Episodes page 1 of 2

  1. Covering Energy Policy from Europe: A Conversation with Lisa Friedman

    · 30 min

    As New York Times climate reporter Lisa Friedman moves to the UK to become the newspaper's London-based energy correspondent with responsibility for covering Europe and the Middle East., she speaks with host Robert…

  2. Carbon Pricing and Climate Policy: A Conversation with Yale Professor Ken Gillingham

    · 33 min

    Kenneth Gillingham, Professor of Economics at the Yale School of the Environment, is the guest on this week's episode. Drawing upon his expertise in applied microeconomics, behavioral economics, industrial…

  3. The Prospects for Climate Adaptation: A Conversation with Matthew Kahn

    · 31 min

    Matthew Kahn, Provost Professor of Economics at the University of Southern California (USC), and one of the world's leading authorities on the intersection of urban economics, environment, and climate change, expressed…

  4. Law Professor Jody Freeman Unpacks the EPA's Decision to Rescind the Endangerment Finding

    · 28 min

    The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision to rescind the 2009 Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding is drawing sharp rebuke from scientists and environmental advocates, but the decision may not withstand…

  5. COP30 and the Prospects for Climate Coalitions: A Conversation with Cathryn Wolfram

    · 27 min

    Esteemed energy economist Catherine Wolfram shared her thoughts on the 30th Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP30) and on the prospects for climate coalitions to…

  6. Climate Policy Progress and Challenges: A Conversation with John Podesta

    · 32 min

    Longtime national political advisor John Podesta shared his insights on climate policy, the challenges of securing bipartisan support, and the global push toward clean energy in this episode of “Environmental Insights:…

  7. Investigating Complex Market Design Questions: A Conversation with Anna Russo

    · 27 min

    A rising star in the field of environmental economics, Anna Russo, a Junior Fellow with the Harvard Society of Fellows, shared her unique perspective on the collaborative environment at Harvard, her research…

  8. The Future of EVs: A Conversation with Elaine Buckberg

    · 31 min

    In this episode, Rob speaks with Elaine Buckberg, Senior Fellow at Harvard's Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability, about the future of the EV market, both domestic and international. Read the transcript of…

  9. Nicholas Burns on his time as U.S. Ambassador to China and on efforts to address climate change.

    · 29 min

    In this episode, Rob speaks with Nicholas Burns, the Roy and Barbara Goodman Family Professor of the Practice of Diplomacy and International Relations at Harvard Kennedy School about his time serving as U.S. Ambassador…

  10. Trump 2.0 and its Impact on Climate Policy: A Conversation with Joseph Aldy

    · 30 min

    Rob speaks with Joseph Aldy, the Teresa and John Heinz Professor of the Practice of Environmental Policy at Harvard Kennedy School, about the myriad ways in which the new Trump administration could impact domestic…

  11. Energy Policy, Climate Change, and Global Politics: A Conversation with Vijay Vaitheeswaran

    · 30 min

    Vijay Vaitheeswaran, the global energy and climate innovation editor at The Economist, expressed his appreciation for bottom-up climate policy solutions in the newest episode of “Environmental Insights: Discussions on…

  12. Assessing the Outcome of COP29: A Conversation with New York Times Climate Reporter Max Bearak

    · 31 min

    Max Bearak, energy policy and global climate negotiations reporter for the New York Times shared his perspectives on the recently concluded 29th Conference of the Parties (COP 29) of the United Nations Framework…

  13. Using Modeling to Better Understand Climate Policy: A Conversation with Karen Fisher-Vanden

    · 26 min

    The use of economy-wide and integrated assessment modeling to better understand climate change impacts and policy was the focus of discussion in the latest episode of “Environmental Insights: Discussions on Policy and…

  14. The Impacts of Climate on Agriculture and Land Use: A Conversation with Wolfram Schlenker

    · 27 min

    How climate change is impacting American agriculture and land use was the focus of discussion in the newest episode of “Environmental Insights: Discussions on Policy and Practice from the Harvard Environmental…

  15. Land Use Policy and Climate Change: A Conversation with Charles Taylor

    · 33 min

    The ways in which land use and environmental policies intersect with natural resource sustainability and climate change was the focus of discussion in the newest episode of “Environmental Insights: Discussions on…

  16. International Trade and Climate Change Policy: A Conversation with Robert Lawrence

    · 32 min

    The rise of political populism and economic protectionism are serious barriers impeding efforts to combat global climate change. Robert Lawrence, the Albert Williams Professor of International Trade and Investment at…

  17. Energy, Geopolitics, and Climate Change: A Conversation with Meghan O'Sullivan

    · 30 min

    International relations expert Meghan O'Sullivan, the Jeane Kirkpatrick Professor of the Practice of International Affairs at Harvard Kennedy School, expressed her hopes for achieving successful international climate…

  18. Impacts of Electric Vehicle Subsidies: A Conversation with Hunt Allcott

    · 29 min

    Behavioral economist Hunt Allcott, Professor of Global Environmental Policy at the Doerr School of Sustainability at Stanford University, questioned the impact of new and used electric vehicle (EV) subsidies in the…

  19. The Intersection of Trade and Climate Policy: A Conversation with Kim Clausing

    · 32 min

    UCLA Law School Professor Kimberly Clausing gives the Biden Administration high praise for its climate policies in the newest episode of “Environmental Insights: Discussions on Policy and Practice from the Harvard…

  20. Making the Case for Climate Adaptation: A Conversation with Richard Zeckhauser

    · 28 min

    Eminent Harvard economist Richard Zeckhauser presented arguments for additional climate adaptation measures in the newest episode of “Environmental Insights: Discussions on Policy and Practice from the Harvard…

  21. Examining the Outcomes of COP 28: A Conversation with Amy Harder

    · 30 min

    Amy Harder, the founding Executive Editor of the climate policy publication Cipher News, expressed her surprise with several positive outcomes from the recent 28th Conference of the Parties of the United Nations…

  22. Analyzing COP 28: A Conversation with Jonathan Banks

    · 30 min

    With 28th Conference of the Parties (COP 28) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change well underway, Jonathan Banks, the global director of the Methane Pollution Prevention Program at the Clean Air…

  23. Previewing COP 28: A Conversation with Nat Keohane

    · 43 min

    With the start of the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP 28) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change just days away, environmental economist Nat Keohane is expressing optimism that the new global…

  24. Emma Rothschild on Adam Smith, Methane Emissions, and Climate Change

    · 29 min

    Economic historian Emma Rothschild, the Jeremy and Jane Knowles Professor of History at Harvard, lauded the efforts of young scholars to discover local solutions to mitigate the impacts of global climate change in the…

  25. Private Sector Solutions for Climate Change: A Conversation with Michael Toffel

    · 37 min

    Michael Toffel, Senator John Heinz Professor of Environmental Management and Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School (HBS), discusses the many ways in which business and governments can and are…

  26. The Challenges Facing the Nation's Electricity Power Sector: A Conversation with Severin Borenstein

    · 27 min

    Energy economist Severin Borenstein, Professor of the Graduate School at the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley, discussed the many significant challenges facing the nation’s electricity…

  27. The Electricity Sector and Climate Policy: A Discussion with Karen Palmer

    · 27 min

    Energy economist Karen Palmer, renowned for her research on the nation’s electric power sector, shared her insights on electricity regulation and deregulation, carbon pricing, and climate change policy in the latest…

  28. The Regulatory and 'Just Transition' Dynamics of Climate Policy: A Conversation with Meredith Fowlie

    · 30 min

    Resource economist UC Berkeley Professor Meredith Fowlie spoke about the complex regulatory challenges and ‘just transition’ dynamics of climate policy in the latest episode of “Environmental Insights: Discussions on…

  29. The Politicization of Climate Policy: A Conversation with Kathleen Segerson

    · 30 min

    Renowned environmental economist Kathleen Segerson, who in addition to her academic and scholarly research and teaching has served on numerous state, national, and international advisory boards, expressed her…

  30. Natural Resources & Environmental Economics: A Conversation with Geoffrey Heal

    · 29 min

    Esteemed economist Geoffrey Heal lauded recent technological advancements while also expressing his frustration with the impact of international efforts to combat climate change policy during the newest episode of…

  31. How the California Experience can Impact Global Climate Policy: A Conversation with Mary Nichols

    · 32 min

    Visionary environmental regulator Mary Nichols, whose groundbreaking work as Chair of the California Air Resources Board (CARB) helped pave the way for many of the nation’s current environmental laws and regulations,…

  32. Pursuing Practical Solutions to the Climate Challenge: A Conversation with James Stock

    · 29 min

    Harvard University Professor James Stock, who serves as Harvard's inaugural Vice Provost for Climate and Sustainability and director of the new Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability, expressed his hopes for a…

  33. Government Service, Carbon Pricing, and Climate Policy: A Conversation with Catherine Wolfram

    · 27 min

    Having served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Climate & Energy Economics in the U.S. Department of the Treasury in 2021-2022, Catherine Wolfram has some particularly relevant insights to offer on the development…

  34. COP-27 and the Future of Climate Policy: A Conversation with Dan Bodansky

    · 31 min

    While the Paris Agreement provides the framework for the nations of the world to slow the growth of CO2 emissions, additional policy and technological tools will have to be deployed to meet the challenge of climate…

  35. Assessing the Outcomes from COP27: A Conversation with Billy Pizer

    · 31 min

    Agreement by negotiators at the 27th Conference of the Parties (COP-27) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt earlier this month on an international fund to…

  36. On the Table at COP-27: A Conversation with Ray Kopp

    · 30 min

    The negotiators gathering this week for the 27th Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP-27) in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt will tackle a multitude of important issues,…

  37. The Power of Youth Climate Activism: A Conversation with Michael Greenstone

    · 38 min

    The explosion of youth climate activism in recent years has focused the world’s attention on the problem like never before, but Michael Greenstone, the Milton Friedman Distinguished Service Professor of Economics at…

  38. Methane and Climate Change Policy: A Conversation with Daniel Jacob

    · 27 min

    Daniel Jacob, the Vasco McCoy Professor of Atmospheric Chemistry and Environmental Engineering at Harvard, shared his perspectives on methane and its sources, transport, and measurements in the newest episode of…

  39. How Best to Approach Climate Change Policy: A Conversation with Jeff Holmstead

    · 35 min

    With so many of the nation’s environmental regulations being tested in the courts, technological solutions may be the most promising way to address climate change. That was the opinion offered by environmental lawyer…

  40. Confronting the Global Energy Crisis: A Conversation With Dan Yergin

    · 33 min

    The post-pandemic demand for energy combined with the war in Ukraine and subsequent gas shortages have created a global energy crisis. That is the assessment offered by renowned global energy expert Daniel Yergin in…

  41. The winners and losers of the clean energy transition: A Conversation with Lori Bennear

    · 32 min

    There will be bumps on the road as America transitions to a clean power system. That’s the assessment offered by Lori Bennear, the Juli Plant Grainger Associate Professor of Energy Economics and Policy at the Nicholas…

  42. The Prospects for U.S. Environmental Policy: A Conversation with Jonathan Wiener

    · 30 min

    Jonathan Wiener, the William and Thomas Perkins Professor of Law at Duke Law School, shared his insights on the prospects for federal fiscal, legislative, and regulatory instruments to positively impact climate policy…

  43. The Economics of Wine: A Conversation with Orley Ashenfelter

    · 26 min

    Orley Ashenfelter, the Joseph Douglas Green 1895 Professor of Economics at Princeton University, outlined both the positive and negative impacts of climate change on grape growing and the wine industry in the newest…

  44. Updating the Social Cost of Carbon: A Conversation with Maureen Cropper

    · 29 min

    Maureen Cropper, Distinguished University Professor of Economics at the University of Maryland, makes a compelling case in favor of updating the social cost of carbon in the newest episode of “Environmental Insights:…

  45. U.S. Regulatory and Climate Policy: A Conversation with Paul Joskow

    · 31 min

    Paul Joskow, the Elizabeth and James Killian Professor of Economics emeritus at MIT and former President and CEO of the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation in New York City, shared his thoughts on U.S. regulatory economics and…

  46. The Institutional Dimensions of Climate Policy: A Conversation with Navroz Dubash

    · 32 min

    Navroz Dubash, professor at the Centre for Policy Research in New Delhi, made a compelling argument on behalf of the power of international institutions and national politics to guide climate policy in the newest…

  47. Pragmatic Climate Policy Options: A Conversation with Gib Metcalf

    · 29 min

    Energy economist Gilbert Metcalf, Professor of Economics at Tufts University, makes the argument for pragmatic climate change policies that will withstand the political divisions in Washington in the newest episode of…

  48. Understanding Climate Change Adaptation: A Conversation with Robert Pindyck

    · 28 min

    Robert Pindyck, the Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi Professor of Economics and Finance at MIT's Sloan School of Management, presented his case for additional research on climate adaptation and the social costs of climate…

  49. Thoughts on Water Management and Environmental Justice: A Conversation with Sheila Olmstead

    · 29 min

    Sheila Olmstead, professor of public affairs at the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas, Austin, shared her thoughts on US water policy and environmental justice in the newest episode of…

  50. Assessing the Economic Dimensions of Environmental Policy: A Conversation with Suzi Kerr

    · 33 min

    Suzi Kerr, the chief economist at the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) and founder of the MOTU Economic and Public Policy Research think tank in her home country of New Zealand, shared her perspectives on international…

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