Dr. Eric J. Kemp-Benedict

Profile

With a PhD in theoretical physics from Boston University, my research focuses on the macroeconomics of a sustainability transition. Working within post-Keynesian, structuralist and classical traditions, but viewing the economy through an ecological economics lens, I address questions around long-run growth, decoupling, structural change, and economic development. In addition to my work in ecological economics, I have contributed to studies on diverse topics of relevance to sustainability at national, regional, and global levels and have actively developed and applied tools and methods for participatory and study-specific sustainability analyses. I am a key contributor to the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs), part of the global climate scenario framework that underpins a wide range of climate studies. Until the end of 2023, I worked at the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), where I directed SEI’s Asia Center from 2013 until 2016, and the SEI US Center’s Equitable Transitions Program from 2018 to 2023, as well as serving in diverse leadership roles.

Responsibilities

• Programme Lead, Ecological Economics MSc

Research interests

My primary research interests are in macroeconomics of a sustainability transition, with a particular focus on developing countries. I developed and maintain the Adaptable Macroeconomic Extension for Sustainability analysis (AMES).

<h4>Research projects</h4> <p>Any research projects I'm currently working on will be listed below. Our list of all <a href="https://environment.leeds.ac.uk/dir/research-projects">research projects</a> allows you to view and search the full list of projects in the faculty.</p>

Qualifications

• PhD, Theoretical Physics, Boston University
• BSc, Physics, University of Texas
• MAT, Physics Teaching, Tufts University

Professional memberships

• International Society of Ecological Economics
• European Society of Ecological Economics
• Post-Keynesian Economics Society

Student education

I am Programme Leader for the School of Earth and Environment’s Ecological Economics Master’s programme.

<h4>Postgraduate research opportunities</h4> <p>We welcome enquiries from motivated and qualified applicants from all around the world who are interested in PhD study. Our <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk">research opportunities</a> allow you to search for projects and scholarships.</p>