119 McCone
Email Address
Lyuba.Zarsky@miis.edu
Phone Number
831.647.6436
Language(s)
Español
Related Links
Lyuba Zarsky
Associate Professor
Professor Zarsky is an economist by academic training and has substantial professional and research experience in the field of sustainable development and business and sustainability.
She was Co-Founder and Co-Director of the Nautilus Institute for Security and Sustainability (1992-2001) and staff economist on the Commission for the Future for the Government of Australia (1989-1991). Since 1991, she has consulted to numerous international and national organizations, including the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, Asian Development Bank, United Nations Development Program, and the Government of Australia.
Professor Zarsky is currently a Senior Research Fellow at the Global Development and Environment Institute at Tufts University in Boston (2002-present) and an International Fellow at the International Institute for Environment and Development Sustainable Markets Group in London (2006-present). Dr. Zarsky is also a regular contributor to the Triple Crisis blog.
Professor Zarsky coordinates the Business, Sustainability, and Development track in the International Environmental Policy (IEP) program, as well as the dual IEP-MBA degree option. Her seminars on 
Business Models for Sustainable Development and Partnering with Business for Sustainable Development provide cutting edge, foundational knowledge and skills for students seeking to harness market forces to address critical global problems such as climate change, poverty, and sustainable livelihoods.
Professor Zarsky is an affiliated faculty member with the Center for the Blue Economy and is developing a course on Sustainable Coastal Management. As of January 1, 2012, she serves as an Associate Professor jointly in the International Environmental Policy and the MBA in International Management programs.
Recent Accomplishments
As a consultant to the Global Development and Environment Institute at Tufts University, Professor Zarsky produced Searching for Gold in the Highlands of Guatemala: Economic Costs and Environmental Risks of the Marlin Mine. Co-authored by Leonardo Stanley of the Buenos Aires-based thinktank CEDE$, the report details the problematic relationship between mining and sustainable development, especially when the host state does not adequately protect human rights or provide independent environmental oversight. The report was launched in Fall 2011 in Guatemala City, Ottawa, and Washington D.C. amid substantial press coverage and attention from NGOs and policymakers.
Professor Zarsky serves as an International Fellow with the Sustainable Markets Group (SMG) of the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) in London. She is currently researching ways that social impact investors can promote “climate smart development,” that is, mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change while enhancing livelihoods. Her report is expected mid-2012.
In Fall, 2011, Professor Zarsky served as the Acting Chair for the International Environmental Policy (IEP) program and is currently working to develop a streamlined option for a dual IEP-MBA degree.
Expertise
Sustainable development, business and sustainability, foreign direct investment and the environment, collaborative governance, development economics, global environmental governance, livelihood-based resource management
Education
PhD, Department of Economics, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, 2006 MA Economics, Department of Economics and Political Economy, New School for Social Research, New York 1986
Publications
Searching for Gold in the Highlands of Guatemala: Economic Benefits and Environmental Risks of the Marlin Mine, (co-author), Global Development and Environment Institute, September, 2011.
"Climate Resilient Industrial Development: Design Principles and Alternative Models", in S.R. Khan and J. Christiansen, ed., Towards New Developmentalism: Market as Means Rather than Master, Routledge Economics, 2010.
Enclave Economy: Foreign Investment and Sustainable Development in Mexico’s Silicon Valley (co-author), Boston: MIT Press, 2007.
“No Miracle Drug: Foreign Direct Investment and Sustainable Development” (co-author), in L. Zarsky (ed.), International Investment for Sustainable Development: Balancing Rights and Rewards, London: Earthscan Press, 2005.
International Investment for Sustainable Development: Balancing Rights and Rewards (contributing editor), London: Earthscan Press, 2005.
“Stuck in the Mud? Nation-States, Globalisation and the Environment," in OECD, Globalisation and the Environment, Paris: OECD, 1997. Reprinted in K. Gallagher and J. Werksman (eds.), Earthscan Reader on International Trade and Sustainable Development, London: Earthscan Press, 2002, pp. 19-44; and in K. Conca and G. Dabelko, Green Planet Blues, Environmental Politics from Stockholm to Johannesberg, Westview Press, 2004.
Human Rights and the Environment: Conflicts and Norms in a Globalizing World (contributing editor) London: Earthscan Press, 2002.
Beyond Good Deeds: Case Studies and A New Policy Agenda for Corporate Accountability (co-author), Berkeley: Natural Heritage Institute, July 2002.
“APEC and the ‘Sustainable Development’ Agenda,’ in R. Steinberg (ed.), The Greening of Trade Law, Rowman and Littlefield, 2002.
“Global Reach: Human Rights and Environment in the Framework of Corporate Accountability,” in L. Zarsky (ed.), Human Rights and Environment: Conflicts and Norms in a Globalizing World, London: Earthscan Press, 2002, pp. 31-56.
“Civil Society and the Future of Environmental Governance in Asia,” (co-author), in D. Angel and M. Rock, (eds.), Asia's Clean Revolution: Industry, Growth and the Environment, Greenleaf Publishing, 2001, pp.128-154.
“From Bystanders to Collaborators, New Roles for Civil Society in Urban-Industrial Environmental Governance,” in Asian Development Bank, Asian Environment Outlook, Manila: ADB, 2001.
“Environmental Norms in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum,” in D. Shelton (ed.), Commitment and Compliance, The Role of Non-Binding Norms in the International Legal System, New York: Oxford University Press, 2000, pp. 303-329.
“Havens, Halos, and Spaghetti: Untangling the Evidence About FDI and the Environment,” in OECD, Foreign Direct Investment and the Environment, Paris: OECD, 1999, pp. 47-74.
"Energy and the Environment in Asia-Pacific,” in P. Chasek, (ed.), The Global Environment in the 21st Century, Tokyo: United Nations University Press, 1999.
"Lessons of Liberalization in Asia: From Structural Adjustment to Sustainable Development," in Financing for Environmentally Sustainable Development, Asian Development Bank: Manila, 1994.
“Towards an International Eco-Labeling Framework,” in OECD, Life Cycle Management and Trade, Paris: OECD, 1994, pp. 194-204.
“Sustainable Development: Challenges for Australia,” in Our Common Future, Australian Edition, Melbourne: Oxford University Press, 1990. Also published as a monograph by the Commission for the Future, Melbourne, February, 1990.
Courses
Courses offered in the past four years.
▲ indicates offered in the current term
▹ indicates offered in the upcoming term[s]
IPOL 8501 - Policy Analysis
This course introduces students to the theory and practice of policy analysis. Students will be introduced to the stages of the public policy process, including agenda setting, formulation, implementation, and evaluation. Students will also develop basic policy analysis skills, including problem structuring, stakeholder identification, summarization of current policy, development of policy options, elaboration of criteria for selection, and recommendation of course of action. These concepts are illustrated by examples policies that fall within students' range of interests. This course also introduces students to scientific methods that are used as a means for structuring policy inquiry. A series of research approaches and techniques are presented in the context of forecasting, monitoring, and evaluation for the analysis of domestic and international policies.
Fall 2009 - MIIS
IPOL 8506 - Public Policy & the Environmnt
This two-unit course provides a foundation in the paradigms, principles, and tools that shape public policy in the service of environmental protection and sustainable development. We will first explore the sources and dynamics of public policymaking and the fundamental principles of environmental policy, including sustainability, precaution and cost internalization. We will then examine three policy paradigms: 1) regulatory (command and control); 2) collaborative (stakeholder based); and 3) market-based. For each paradigm, we will consider case studies of global and national policy options for particular environmental problems, including forest degradation and carbon emissions. Examples of policy options include substantive and process standards; taxes; eco-system service payments; public investment; etc. Students will work in a team to produce a policy analysis of a major environmental problem.
Fall 2010 - MIIS, Fall 2011 - MIIS
IPOL 8507 - Intl Environmental Law&Politcs ▲
This course provides a foundation in the core concepts, actors, drivers and institutions of global environmental politics and governance. The first half of the class focuses on global environmental politics and the second on international environmental law and more broadly, global environmental governance (GEG). The first half of the class is divided into two parts. Part One explores the state of the global environment, the nature of global environmental problems and the key actors in global environmental politics. Part Two examines seven underlying drivers of global environmental degradation: 1) technology, especially energy; 2) consumption; 3) values/cultural norms; 4) globalization; 5) capitalism and the growth imperative; 6) poverty and inequality; and 7 population growth. For each driver, we will explore a core conceptual framework and then consider and critically evaluate how it relates to global environmental problems, especially climate change. The second half of the class will examine international environmental regimes, including legal treaties and “soft law”. It will evaluate the overall effectiveness of global environmental governance (GEG) in addressing the underlying drivers of global environmental degradation and solving global environmental problems, especially climate change and biodiversity loss. The course will analyze and debate proposals to improve GEG, including the creation of a World Environment Organization, an increased role for regional governance, and a “multi-level” approach centered on a greater role for cities.
Fall 2009 - MIIS, Spring 2010 - MIIS, Fall 2010 - MIIS, Spring 2011 - MIIS, Fall 2011 - MIIS, Spring 2012 - MIIS
IPOL 8617 - Sem:Partner w/Bus.for Sust.Dev ▲
Business is increasingly partnering with governments and NGOs to deliver a wide variety of global sustainable development goals, including poverty reduction, carbon mitigation, clean energy, access to clean water, and eco-resilience and climate adaptation. While there have some high-profile success stories, business partnerships have also suffered from "culture clashes", lack of clarity about goals, poor performance measurement, and lack of accountability mechanisms.
This course examines and critically evaluates four types of emerging global business partnerships: 1) business-government “private-public” partnerships in the provision of public infrastructure, especially water; 2) multi-stakeholder “collaborative governance” of global markets (e.g. forests, sea food, bio-fuels); 3) capacity-building business-NGO partnerships involving business philanthropy; and 4) “investment” partnerships aimed at increasing finance for sustainable development.
We will first explore the context for the emergence of business partnerships, examine the meaning and measurement of "sustainable development", and consider obstacles in both business and NGO culture to effective partnering. We will then examine case studies of the four types of partnerships in developing countries and conclude by considering what innovations in business, NGO and government practice would make partnerships more effective, scale-able and accountable. Students will work in teams to produce and orally present a collaborative case study.
Spring 2012 - MIIS
IPOL 8623 - Sem:Bus Models for Sustain Dev
This seminar explores the growing role of the private sector in promoting sustainable development goals in low and middle income countries through core business activities. The overarching aim of such business models is to reduce poverty and promote sustainability by: 1) stimulating access to global markets and supply chains; 2) delivering affordable and sustainable goods and services; 3) responding to the demands of climate change mitigation and adaptation; and/or 4) promoting local capacities for sustainable production. The seminar will examine case studies of five business models, ranging from small-scale, for-profit and non-profit enterprises to partnerships between multinational corporations and NGOs and/or development agencies. Students will work in teams to undertake their own case studies. Together, we will seek to draw lessons for scalability.
Fall 2009 - MIIS, Fall 2010 - MIIS, Fall 2011 - MIIS
IPOL 8646 - Sem:Privt/PubPartnrshps4SusDev
Partnerships between business, NGOs, and/or government are emerging as both a form of “collaborative governance” and a business model. Aimed at marrying private gain with public goods, public-private partnerships have been heralded as an effective way to promote innovation in business practice and societal values--and condemned as corporate public relations efforts aimed at staving off government regulation. Among the most trenchant concerns are poor performance monitoring, the exclusion of local communities, and most of all, the inadequacy of accountability mechanisms. This course examines and evaluates public private partnerships (PPPs) as vehicles for promoting sustainable development goals, including reducing global poverty and promoting low-carbon development paths. The course will focus on the role of business in four types of PPPs: (1) Philanthropic (capacity building; development cooperation); (2) Multi-stakeholder market governance; (3) Infrastructure provision (government as primary partner); (4) Enterprise development at the “base of the pyramid.” The first three types of PPPs will focus on global business, that is, multinational corporations. Enterprise development PPPs based on new business models will focus on both MNCs and small and medium sized business (SMEs). We will first explore the context for the emergence of PPPs, consider whether and how business might be aligned with sustainable development goals, and examine the meaning and measurement of “sustainable development.” We will then examine case studies of the four types of partnerships and conclude by considering what innovations in governance would make partnerships more effective, scale-able and accountable.
Spring 2010 - MIIS
IPOL 8665 - Sem: Climate & Development
This seminar explores emerging thinking and practice about climate resilient, low carbon development paths. The course is in three parts. After examining the economic challenges posed by climate change, Part I defines “climate resilient development” and probes design principles and alternative models. Part II examines the challenge of financing transitions to climate resilient, low-carbon development and considers public, private, and public-private initiatives at multiple scales (from global adaptation funds to micro-asset investors). Part III explores methodologies for selecting climate resilience among alternative investment options and examines case studies of climate resilient development at the project, city, sector, and national levels. The case studies highlight the roles of public policy and multi-stakeholder collaborative governance. The course consists of one third professor lecture, one third guest speakers, and one third student-led discussions and exercises. Students will produce a case study of climate resilient development and participate in a class debate.
Spring 2011 - MIIS
