Michael Greenstone to Lead New Climate and Energy Institute

Dear Members of the University Community,

We are announcing that the University of Chicago is establishing a Climate and Energy Institute with Michael Greenstone as its inaugural faculty director. 

This decision follows from a report of a faculty committee tasked with examining our institutional interests in the space. That group recognized that almost one eighth of all faculty across the University are working on areas related to climate and energy and that there is a great need to serve interdisciplinary collaboration and mutual support. We have a potent opportunity to advantage our scholars and students by convening efforts under one institute. While the formation of this institute is still in progress, it promises to foster important connections across the whole university. In the coming months, it is vital that we continue to secure partners and resources to ensure its success.

Many good ideas emerged from the faculty committee; important among them was the articulation that we should build the institute upon a few core research areas beginning with our longstanding strengths in markets, policy, and economics, as well as our investments and partnerships in energy technologies. A number of education-based initiatives and programs will be developed to cut across many disciplines and research topics. As part of the institute, we have committed to sponsor a new research area, Climate Systems Engineering initiative (CSEi), which is headed by David Keith. The institute will also participate in efforts to meet the University’s goal to reduce our absolute greenhouse emissions by 50% by 2030.

I am delighted that Michael Greenstone, Milton Friedman Distinguished Service Professor in Economics, has agreed to serve the institute as its inaugural faculty director to lead the institute’s formation. Currently, he acts as director of the Becker Friedman Institute and of the Energy Policy Institute at the University. Widely regarded as one of the leading energy and environmental economists in the world, Michael is known for contributing seminal research to the field and for advancing ideas that influence policy worldwide. A member of the University faculty since 2014 (and before that from 2000 – 2003), he completed his undergraduate degree at Swarthmore College, after which he earned a PhD in economics from Princeton University. 

Improving our educational programs in climate and energy will be a central priority for the new institute. To this end, Michael has asked a faculty committee to consider our educational offerings in climate and energy. The committee, chaired by David Weisbach of the Law School and with faculty representation from across the University, has been charged with reviewing all current offerings on climate and energy and with considering possible new programs, both on the undergraduate and master’s levels. 

I look forward to sharing more about the institute as it continues to take shape. Michael will be reaching out to many across the University as we build up the institute. I invite you to join me in welcoming Michael to his new role.

Sincerely,
Paul
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A. Paul Alivisatos
President