The Environmental Markets Lab (emLab) is an interdisciplinary team of scientists based at the University of California Santa Barbara that conducts cutting-edge, data-driven research on the power, limitations, and design of market-based approaches to tackle the world's most pressing environmental problems. In collaboration with implementing partners, we aim to better align environmental objectives and economic incentives in support of sustainable livelihoods and a resilient planet.
Our Programs
Leveraging our diverse expertise, we generate timely insights into effective and equitable solutions for Climate & Energy, Land & Freshwater, Ocean & Fisheries, and People & Poverty.

Climate & Energy
Advancing effective and equitable climate solutions

Land & Freshwater
Balancing multiple ecosystem services from the land

Ocean & Fisheries
Improving prosperity and sustainability of the ocean

People & Poverty
Strengthening the resilience of vulnerable communities and natural systems
emLab Blog: Our 2 Cents
Publications
How will a changing climate affect global energy consumption? Nature paper out by emLab's Tamma Carleton and Climate Impact Lab colleagues reveals a deep divide between wealthy and poor populations when it comes to energy use.
Opportunities and challenges for improving fisheries management through greater transparency in vessel tracking
Orofino et al. 2023, ICES Journal of Marine Science
The economics of saignée in winemaking
Costello et. al 2023, Journal of Wine Economics
Sunflower-associated reductions in varroa mite infestation of honey bee colonies
Palmer-Young et al. 2022, Journal of Economic Entomology
Toward a low-carbon transition in India
Deshmukh and Chatterjee 2022, Science Magazine