As climate change continues to take center stage in domestic and foreign policy discussions, Jinhua Zhao will be taking his expertise in environmental economics to a national setting.
Zhao, an associate professor in MSU’s Department of Economics, recently was appointed to a three-year term on the 12-member Environmental Economics Advisory Committee, or EEAC, part of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Science Advisory Board. Only three Big Ten schools are represented on the committee, with Penn State University and the University of Illinois being the others.
Appointed in early November, Zhao will have a hand in environmental policy recommendations made to the EPA pertinent to environmental science and research, as well as assessing various costs associated with the EPA’s programs.
The EEAC generally holds its meetings in Washington, D.C., but also holds conference calls to discuss policy issues. When and where meetings are held is contingent upon how often the EPA seeks consultation, Zhao said.
“The next several years will be very important for government environmental policies,” Zhao said. “I am excited at the opportunities of working with other distinguished scholars to provide independent expert advice and counsel to the policy making process.”
Zhao’s history with environmental and climate issues is extensive. He served as co-editor of the Journal of Environmental Economics and Management from 2005-07 and has written numerous articles on agricultural and environmental economics.
Additionally, Zhao said his research focuses on issues such as international trade and the environment, emission permits trading, climate change negotiations and renewable energies.
Department of Economics chair Carl Davidson said Zhao is one of the foremost economists in areas such as bioeconomic and global climate change issues.
“He’s very well-suited for the position,” Davidson said. “We’re very proud of him.”
Zhao’s appointment to the EEAC could have potential benefit for MSU, as his participation in discussing and deciding environmental policy recommendations could not only bolster his own research but give MSU a voice in such debates.
“MSU benefits when its faculty members are actively involved in national policy debates and processes,” Zhao said. “As a major research university, MSU is poised to utilize its intellectual talents and research capacities.”
Zhao’s understanding of the relationship between economics and the environment as well as his research skills make him fit for the job, said Soren Anderson, assistant professor of economics at MSU.
“Zhao is an excellent choice for this committee,” Anderson said. “He’s an outstanding scholar and well qualified for the position — intelligent, experienced and objective.”
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