“We are delighted to welcome our second cohort of BiGS Visiting Fellows to elevate the global dialogue around how business can help mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change,” says HBS Professor Debora Spar, who leads the institute. “From Kathmandu to London to Atlanta, these scholars are working on projects with a real potential to help prevent further climate change or reduce deadly consequences.”
As part of the growing movement to slow climate change, companies around the world are increasingly taking responsibility for the greenhouse gas emissions associated with their economic activity. Professor Glenk’s research examines challenges and opportunities related to corporate transitions toward zero net emissions. Specific topics include the economics and management of corporate carbon emissions, decarbonization and sustainable energy technologies, and incentives for accelerated climate action.
“Many companies worldwide have now articulated ambitious climate targets. But most are struggling to identify cost-efficient pathways to substantial emissions reductions and to report their progress in an accurate and reliable manner,” says Professor Glenk. “At Harvard Business School, I will be in an excellent environment to contribute towards developing decision tools for managers to navigate both challenges.”
Along with Gunther Glenk, Harvard Business School awarded Omar Asensio (Georgia Institute of Technology), Conor Hickey (University of Oxford), Andrew Hoffman (University of Michigan), Jonas Meckling (University of California Berkeley), and Robyn Meeks (Duke University). Their research projects range from examining how the United States can best take an inclusive approach to building electric vehicle infrastructure to figuring out ways to bolster climate resilience in vulnerable developing countries. All six Climate Fellows, who will arrive on campus in July 2023, will collaborate with faculty and researchers across multiple schools, initiatives, and units within Harvard University.
“I’m excited that BiGS is committed to bringing to campus six distinguished scholars who are driving innovative research and impact, and I’m confident that they will advance the work being done at Harvard,” notes HBS Professor Mike Toffel, who leads the HBS Business & Environment Initiative. “It’s especially timely this year, given the urgent need for system-level changes that are necessary to address climate change.”
For more information about the fellowship, read the press release by Harvard Business School.