Education
Ph.D., Duke University, 2008
(environmental and resource economics)
M.S., Tsinghua University, China, 2003
(environmental engineering)
B.S., Tsinghua University, China, 2001 (minor)
(environmental engineering)
B.A., Renmin University of China, 2001 (major)
(environmental economics and management)
Biography
CV
Professor Zhang's research interests center on empirical issues in environmental and resource economics. He has been working on the interface of social sciences and natural sciences. His research topics cover climate change, water resources, and fisheries.
At present, Professor Zhang is working on three research projects. The first is evaluating the effectiveness of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) in facilitating sustainable development and technology transfer in China. The second is investigating the impact of obesity on automobile demand and gasoline consumption in the U.S. The third examines the impact of climate change on fishery production and fishers' behavioral adaptation in California.
For more information, please visit Zhang's personal site.
Background Notes
Zhang joined IR/PS in 2008.
Professional Activities
Member, American Economic Association, Association of Environmental and Resource Economists
Referee, American Journal of Agricultural Economics, Energy Policy, Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, Journal of Environmental Management, Land Economics, Marine Resource Economics
Recent Publications
Zhang, J. and M.D. Smith. 2009. “Estimation of an Empirical Fishery Model: A Two-Stage Approach,” Conditionally Accepted, The Review of Economics and Statistics.
Smith, M.D., J. Zhang and F.C. Coleman. 2008. "Econometric Modeling of Fisheries with Complex Life Histories: Avoiding Biological Management Failures," Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, 2008, 55(3): 265-280.
Smith, M.D. (co-lead), J. Zhang (co-lead) and F.C. Coleman. 2007. "Structural Modeling of Marine Reserves with Bayesian Estimation," Marine Resource Economics, 2007, 22(2): 121-136.
Smith, M.D., J. Zhang and F.C. Coleman. 2006. "Effectiveness of Marine Reserves for Large-Scale Fisheries Management," Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, 2006, 63(1): 153-164.
IRGN 458 International Environmental Policy and Politics
Winter 2010
Course Description:
This course focuses on three main areas of international environmental policy and politics: (1) causes of global environmental problems, (2) methods and strategies for promoting policy solutions, and (3) economic rationale for international environmental agreements. Students are expected to read theoretical and empirical literature as well as policy papers. All course materials will be self-contained. Previous knowledge in introductory microeconomics, game theory, and econometrics is helpful but not required.
IRGN 453 Sustainable Development
Winter 2010
Course Description:
This course consists of two parts. First, we will discuss conceptual issues in sustainable development. Our primary objective is to formalize conceptions of sustainability and thus provide a foundation for quantitative management decisions. Second, we will apply the theoretical framework to optimal management of environment and natural resources. The intended audience is 2nd year MPIA students, PhD students, and advanced undergraduates with a particular interest in sustainability. Preparations in differential calculus, intermediate microeconomics and cost-benefit analysis are required.
IRGN 490 Energy Economics & Policy
Spring 2009
Course Description:
This course examines energy demand, energy supply, energy markets, environmental consequences and energy policies from both theoretical and empirical perspectives. We will explore energy use patterns of households and firms. We will discuss rationales for energy market regulations. We will also analyze the effectiveness of some energy policies. This course places an emphasis on economics so students are expected to apply economic theory to energy issues. Previous preparations in calculus, microeconomics (IRCO 401 Managerial Economics) and regressions (QM 1&2) are required.
