Addressing complex, multi-faceted environmental problems through quality research, engagement and training.
Our multidisciplinary research encompasses issues in environmental policy. We collaborate with researchers from around the world on nationally funded research programs.
Our tools include optimisation, statistics, social surveys, benefit: cost analysis, project evaluation, bio-economic models, non-market valuation, and decision support tools. We integrate information from physical sciences, biology, and social sciences within an economic framework.
To discuss potential research collaboration and industry projects, contact our Co-Director, Dr Abbie Rogers.
We engage with government, industry and NGOs on environmental, social and economic policy issues to address the knowledge gaps and build capacity in environmental economics and policy that matter to them.
We inform the public (e.g. see our Blogs, Outreach, Topics) and contribute to management committees and policy processes. We co-organise research seminars, which are recorded and available to the public via our School’s YouTube channel.
For enquiries, contact our Centre Manager, Tammie Harold.
We supervise postgraduate research students on topics related to environmental economics and policy. Go to Students to view a list of our current and completed PhD and Masters’ student research projects, and contact our Staff directly about their availability for supervision.
We also teach undergraduate and masters courses at UWA, deliver a regular micro credential on Benefit Cost Analysis and offer a free online course on Agriculture, Economics and Nature.
Produce innovative and multidisciplinary research that will contribute to scientific knowledge in environmental economics.
Assist national and international program investors in achieving the most highly-valued environmental outcomes by undertaking research that will inform decision-making processes and policy development.
Improve the management of our environment by providing practical policy advice, capacity building and research services to government and industry.
Water
Integrated water management, water pollution from nutrients and sediment, water supply, water-sensitive urban design, blue-green economy, circular economy.
Land & Natural Hazards
Natural resources management, effects of climate change on agriculture, agriculture practices, land degradation and salinity, natural hazard management, mine rehabilitation.
Marine & Coastal
Marine protection, coastal health, plastic pollution, coastal recreation, habitat enhancement, contested coastal space, and social licence for marine and coastal industries.
Biodiversity & Conservation
Biodiversity conservation, threatened species conservation, mitigation of adverse environmental outcomes, pest plants and animals.
Climate Change
Mitigation of climate change, adaptation to climate change, design of climate policy.
Capacity & Skillsets
We have a team of highly qualified academic staff, senior researchers and postdoctoral fellows working on environmental economics projects. Our research services include:
Environmental decision making
Bio-economic modelling of environmental issues
Design and evaluation of environmental policies
Valuation of non market benefits
Informing adoption of environmental practices
Interdisciplinary research
Training and capacity building workshops and knowledge-sharing activities
Multi-stakeholder engagement and consultation processes
Economic evaluation and prioritization frameworks, including Benefit Cost Analysis
Risk assessment and uncertainty
Experience
Our centre was established in 2008 as a strategic research centre for the University of Western Australia. We have:
Published more than 400 academic outputs, including journal articles, books, chapters, case studies and other resources.
Developed several economic tools and decision making frameworks for our industry partners and produced industry-commissioned reports.
Presented at conferences, mini symposiums, industry research events, and hosted the 2020 Australasian Agricultural & Resource Economics Society Conference.
Developed online training courses, including the highly successful MOOC on “Agriculture, Economics and Nature”.
Held leadership roles on industry-based committees and research institutes.
Received regular recognition through awards and appointments.
Supervised PhD & Masters research students to successfully complete their theses and publish journal articles.
United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. Our Centre is part of the international community that is working towards meeting these goals and the targets for reducing emissions set in the Paris Climate Agreement.
Our Centre was part of the large multidisciplinary team of researchers from 31 countries to publish a book that tackled how to apply specific solutions and policies aimed at meeting the Sustainable Development Goals. Issues addressed include renewable energy, automated vehicles, vaccines, digital health, agricultural biotechnology, and precision agriculture. The book provides practical and relevant insights and advice to support policy makers and managers involved in sustainable development roles.
Adenle, A.A., Chertow, M.R., Moors, E.H.M. and Pannell, D.J. (eds) (2020). Science, Technology and Innovation for Sustainable Development Goals: Insights from Agriculture, Health, Environment and Energy, Oxford University Press, New York.
Our work contributes to the following SDGs:
Work With Us
Our Centre consists of 2 directors, a Centre manager, 5 academic staff and around 8 postdoctoral research fellows, depending on the number of active grants in the Centre. We work closely with our partners and academic staff in Agriculture and Resource Economics group at the UWA School of Agriculture and Environment.
Our primary roles are to conduct scientific research, communicate that research in various ways, supervise postgraduate research students, and provide information and advice to industry and government.
We offer professional development opportunities for our researchers. We run a regular seminar series at UWA to share research results with our colleagues and collaborators.
Vacancies are advertised via UWA Jobs.
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