I conduct economic research on a wide range of environmental and natural resource issues. All of my research has the objective of ultimately improving public policy. My current research is focused in two areas:

• hurricanes, flooding, wildfires, and climate impacts and resilience; and

• conservation, ecosystem services, public lands, and outdoor recreation.

My research on climate impacts and resilience aims to improve our understanding of how people make choices regarding disaster risks and how governments can design cost-effective and equitable policies to lower disaster costs. I have assessed the potential for natural lands such as wetlands and forests to enhance resilience and analyzed policy options for changing land use in the floodplain. Current research is focused on the design and functioning of insurance. I direct RFF’s Climate Risks and Resilience Program.

I have written extensively about how to pay for parks and conservation, evaluating various kinds of taxes, payments for ecosystem services programs, and the role of philanthropy. In 2020, I completed a major study analyzing the local economic impacts of national monuments and other federal protected lands.

In addition to my research and policy engagement, I also co-host the Resources Radio weekly podcast. Some of my favorite episodes:

• How much is a grizzly bear worth? With Lynne Lewis

• From rails to trails, with Peter Harnik (read his book and watch the PBS documentary!)

• Flooding in Appalachia, with Nico Zegre

• The realities of living with sea level rise, with Skip Stiles

Click on the Research tab at the top of this page for more information and links to publications.