The initiative : PSE – Environment
A global approach to environmental issues
In the face of environmental challenges, PSE is developing a multi-dimensional approach to understanding their consequences and studying the public policies needed to respond to them.
The question of equity in environmental transition is at the forefront, and dialogue with other disciplines is encouraged. The initiative is intended to cover all fields of economics.
The themes
This research aims to deepen our understanding of the conditions for a sustainable and equitable transition to a net-zero emissions world for businesses and households. The objective is to better assess reallocation costs, the role of green investments, develop macroeconomic scenarios for the transition and their implications, and explore relevant economic policy instruments.
The For a Successful Energy Transition Chair develops research and communication activities on the issue of energy transition.
Cities, responsible for most of greenhouse gas emissions and global energy consumption, are crucial in the decarbonization of society. To achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, transforming transportation systems, improving energy efficiency, optimizing waste management, and investing in sustainable infrastructure is vital, involving all stakeholders—public, private, and citizens. This transformation relies on an “Urban New Deal” that aims to combine density, efficiency, equity, sustainability, and quality of life, leveraging digital technologies to optimize urban services. Mobility, housing, and energy are key sectors that require integrated and resilient policies to address future challenges.
The Urban New Deal Chair develops research and communication activities on the issue of energy transition.
The environmental transition involves diverse and often conflicting behaviors from individuals and organizations, requiring an actor-centered rather than a production-focused approach. We study household behavior in collaboration with cognitive sciences to understand environmental awareness and the acceptance of ecological policies. Consumer and corporate adoption of green goods, services, and practices is key to a successful transition, including choices regarding responsible work and investment. Businesses, financial markets, and national accounting systems must play an active role in assessing and promoting sustainable development and biodiversity.
The Measurement in Economics Chair develops research and communication activities that contribute to the advancement of economic statistics methods.transition.
Climate negotiations face free-rider issues, with each country preferring others to take action, necessitating effective cooperation protocols. Similar issues arise for multinational companies which often avoid environmental responsibility through global supply chains, especially in developing nations. At the same time, vulnerable populations are most affected by environmental degradation, while increasing consumption adds pressure to sustainability and agri-food systems face growing deforestation and climate challenge.
This project focuses on equity and the political economy of climate change. It examines the redistributive effects and inequalities of environmental policies, aiming to understand and improve the social acceptability of ecological transitions. It also assesses the impact of ecological taxes, which are often regressive, on inequality, employment, and growth, exploring mechanisms for redistributing revenues to mitigate these effects. The behaviors of citizens, influenced by media, NGOs, and social movements, as well as policymakers, are studied to better understand their roles in shaping sustainable policies.