David Pearce (economist)
Encyclopedia
Professor David W. Pearce OBE
was an Emeritus Professor
at the Department of Economics in the University College London
(UCL). He specialised in, and was a pioneer of, Environmental Economics
, having published over fifty books and over 300 academic articles on the subject including his 'Blueprint for a Green Economy' series. His love for nature and his care for the environment resonate through all of his work—but at the same time, he was fiercely critical of environmental alarmism and sloppy environmental policy.
David Pearce was born in Harrow, London
on 11 October 1941, graduated in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics from Oxford University in 1963 and then studied economics at London School of Economics
from 1963 to 1964, and held academic posts at the Universities of Lancaster, Southampton, Leicester, and Aberdeen before arriving at UCL as Professor of Political Economy in 1983.
During his career he was the chief environmental adviser to the UK Secretaries of State between 1989 and 1992 — Christopher Patten and Michael Heseltine
. He also provided advice to a number of major companies. He was a convening lead author of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
.
He was co-director of the environmental economics research centre, CSERGE, from 1991–2001. In 1989 he was named in the Global 500 Roll of Honour
for Services to the World Environment by the United Nations Environment Programme
. In 2000 he was awarded the OBE
(Officer, Order of the British Empire). He was awarded a 'Lifetime Achievement Award' in December 2004 by the European Association of Environmental and Resource Economists for his contributions to the development of environmental economics in Europe.
David Pearce established the internationally renowned MSc
in Environmental and Resource Economics at UCL. He was an inspirational teacher held in the highest esteem by the many graduates of this degree, most of whom are now working in environmental policy making and research throughout the world.
David Pearce died of leukaemia in September 2005, at the age of 63.
Order of the British Empire
The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is an order of chivalry established on 4 June 1917 by George V of the United Kingdom. The Order comprises five classes in civil and military divisions...
was an Emeritus Professor
Professor
A professor is a scholarly teacher; the precise meaning of the term varies by country. Literally, professor derives from Latin as a "person who professes" being usually an expert in arts or sciences; a teacher of high rank...
at the Department of Economics in the University College London
University College London
University College London is a public research university located in London, United Kingdom and the oldest and largest constituent college of the federal University of London...
(UCL). He specialised in, and was a pioneer of, Environmental Economics
Environmental economics
Environmental economics is a subfield of economics concerned with environmental issues. Quoting from the National Bureau of Economic Research Environmental Economics program:...
, having published over fifty books and over 300 academic articles on the subject including his 'Blueprint for a Green Economy' series. His love for nature and his care for the environment resonate through all of his work—but at the same time, he was fiercely critical of environmental alarmism and sloppy environmental policy.
David Pearce was born in Harrow, London
Harrow, London
Harrow is an area in the London Borough of Harrow, northwest London, United Kingdom. It is a suburban area and is situated 12.2 miles northwest of Charing Cross...
on 11 October 1941, graduated in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics from Oxford University in 1963 and then studied economics at London School of Economics
London School of Economics
The London School of Economics and Political Science is a public research university specialised in the social sciences located in London, United Kingdom, and a constituent college of the federal University of London...
from 1963 to 1964, and held academic posts at the Universities of Lancaster, Southampton, Leicester, and Aberdeen before arriving at UCL as Professor of Political Economy in 1983.
During his career he was the chief environmental adviser to the UK Secretaries of State between 1989 and 1992 — Christopher Patten and Michael Heseltine
Michael Heseltine
Michael Ray Dibdin Heseltine, Baron Heseltine, CH, PC is a British businessman, Conservative politician and patron of the Tory Reform Group. He was a Member of Parliament from 1966 to 2001 and was a prominent figure in the governments of Margaret Thatcher and John Major...
. He also provided advice to a number of major companies. He was a convening lead author of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change is a scientific intergovernmental body which provides comprehensive assessments of current scientific, technical and socio-economic information worldwide about the risk of climate change caused by human activity, its potential environmental and...
.
He was co-director of the environmental economics research centre, CSERGE, from 1991–2001. In 1989 he was named in the Global 500 Roll of Honour
Global 500 Roll of Honour
The United Nations Environment Programme established the Global 500 Roll of Honour in 1987 to recognize the environmental achievements of individuals and organizations around the world.The last Global 500 Roll of Honour awards were made in 2003...
for Services to the World Environment by the United Nations Environment Programme
United Nations Environment Programme
The United Nations Environment Programme coordinates United Nations environmental activities, assisting developing countries in implementing environmentally sound policies and practices. It was founded as a result of the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in June 1972 and has its...
. In 2000 he was awarded the OBE
Order of the British Empire
The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is an order of chivalry established on 4 June 1917 by George V of the United Kingdom. The Order comprises five classes in civil and military divisions...
(Officer, Order of the British Empire). He was awarded a 'Lifetime Achievement Award' in December 2004 by the European Association of Environmental and Resource Economists for his contributions to the development of environmental economics in Europe.
David Pearce established the internationally renowned MSc
Master's degree
A master's is an academic degree granted to individuals who have undergone study demonstrating a mastery or high-order overview of a specific field of study or area of professional practice...
in Environmental and Resource Economics at UCL. He was an inspirational teacher held in the highest esteem by the many graduates of this degree, most of whom are now working in environmental policy making and research throughout the world.
David Pearce died of leukaemia in September 2005, at the age of 63.
External links
- The Guardian obituary
- University College London obituary
- EAERE citation - David's 'Lifetime Achievement Award' from the European Association of Environmental and Resource Economists
- IDEAS/RePEc
- Google Scholar