The Economic Argument for Divestment from the Fossil Fuel Industry (2-3 students)
Clair Brown, Professor
Economics
Applications for Spring 2024 are closed for this project.
This project focuses on California legislation to mandate that the large public pension funds, CalPERS and CalSTRS, divest from fossil fuel assets [stocks and bonds]. The students will work on adding data and research studies to what has already been collected and used in making rigorous arguments for divestment.
Role: Students will study the reports and data already collected, and learn how the database for the CalPERS [and CalSTRS] portfolio is used to make specific calculations about assets in the fossil fuel industry.
Then students will collect data to address specific questions, and do it in a timely manner, as we work with California lawmakers and their staff.
Qualifications: Students need analytical skills using Excel, especially Pivot tables, and have the capability to present data in user friendly charts and graphs.
Students will be ask to collect specific data and present it visually with quick turnaround times, so that the Professor can quickly respond to questions raised by California lawmakers and agencies.
The URAP teams will have required weekly meetings with Professor Brown, to go over what is being done and plan what to do next.
Students should be able to work independently, with critical thinking and initiative, and be good time managers.
Hours: 9-11 hrs
Off-Campus Research Site: Both On-Campus and Off-Campus Research Site: Weekly one-hour meetings are on Professor's zoom or in-person at IRLE [site of professor's research office}, 2521 Channing Way.
Related website: https://irle.berkeley.edu/center-for-work-technology-and-society/divestment-from-fossil-fuels/
Related website: https://irle.berkeley.edu/center-for-work-technology-and-society/divestment-from-fossil-fuels/