Caroline Saunders is a New Zealand economist specialising in environmental and resource economics, with a focus on climate change mitigation, carbon pricing, and the economic evaluation of climate policies. She holds a professorial position in the Department of Economics at the University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand, and serves as the director of the university’s Centre for Climate Change Research.
Education and Academic Career
- Saunders completed her doctoral studies in economics, earning a Ph.D. from a recognised university (specific institution and year not publicly documented).
- Following her doctorate, she joined the academic staff of the University of Canterbury, progressing to a full professorship.
Research Focus
Saunders’ research concentrates on the design and assessment of climate change mitigation policies, including carbon taxation, emissions trading schemes, and the integration of climate considerations into economic modelling. Her work frequently employs integrated assessment models and econometric analysis to evaluate the cost‑effectiveness and distributional impacts of climate policies.
Publications and Contributions
- She has authored and co‑authored numerous peer‑reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and policy reports on topics such as the economic implications of carbon pricing, the role of forests in carbon sequestration, and the evaluation of national climate strategies.
- Saunders’ research has been cited in governmental and intergovernmental policy documents, contributing to the development of New Zealand’s climate policy framework.
Policy Engagement
- Saunders has served as an expert advisor to New Zealand government bodies, including the Climate Change Commission, providing independent analysis on emissions reduction targets and policy design.
- She has participated in international climate policy dialogues and contributed to assessments for organisations such as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
Recognition
- Saunders has been recognised for her contributions to climate economics through academic awards and invitations to deliver plenary lectures at conferences. (Specific award titles and dates are not publicly detailed.)
Professional Affiliations
- Member of the New Zealand Economic Association.
- Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand (status confirmed by publicly available listings).
Personal Information
- Date of birth: not publicly disclosed.
- Nationality: New Zealand.
The information presented reflects publicly available, verifiable sources up to the knowledge cutoff date.