About Green Economy Lab

For a long time, there was a checkered global history of unsustainable use of resources like energy, water, plastics, timber, and others, characterized by the open loop or linear economy system. This system was characterized by the accompanying adverse impact such as uncontrolled greenhouse emissions, widespread environmental degradation, massive deforestation, indiscriminate waste production and pollution, and other social inequalities and imbalances.

However, the path to a global green economy is not a straight line, as many details are unknown, and many hard questions remain. For example, what strategies are needed to drive decarbonization efforts in developing countries, and how are these different from strategies in developed countries? Or, how might global energy transition goals impact specific demographics within a workforce, forest resources, or poor, vulnerable neighborhoods?

The Green Economy Laboratory is at the forefront of cutting-edge research to find scientific answers to some of these pressing questions. Through collaboration with various partners, our research explores critical areas that intercept green economy issues with strategic interests in the United States, small islands, and developing countries.