Newswise — Today the Worldwatch Institute released "State of the World 2008: Innovations for a Sustainable Economy," their annual report highlighting worldwide efforts to create a sustainable global economy. Experts at the University of Massachusetts Amherst are available for comment on topics featured in the Worldwatch report including the economics of energy and water resources, green building and international trade and development.
Erin Baker of the department of mechanical and industrial engineering researches the economic impact of new energy technologies and the relationship between economics, environmental issues and energy policy. On a local level, Baker is currently working with the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission to form the Pioneer Valley Sustainability Network, and can speak to issues surrounding global climate change policy and the economics of carbon markets and carbon taxes.
Timothy Randhir of the department of natural resources conservation is an expert in the field of watershed management who has studied the effects of urbanization and climate change on watersheds from Honduras to the Connecticut River and water harvesting in urbanizing areas. Randhir also researches land use policy, water resources economics and policy, international trade and development and common-pool resource management.
Paul Fisette, head of the department of natural resources conservation, is an expert in energy efficient construction, sustainable building practices and resource efficiency. He recently served on a national council assessing the benefits of green schools and is a member of the National Academies Board on Infrastructure and the Constructed Environment.
Sylvia Brandt of the resource economics department is an expert in the economics of fisheries and the effects of regulation and property rights on seafood production. She is also researching the effects of environmental regulation on health issues, particularly how clean air legislation impacts the prevalence of asthma.
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