Who We Are
We are experts in electric, multi-sector and economic systems modeling, climate and emissions analysis, green technologies, and translating technical information for a general audience, and we are committed to delivering top-tier research, analysis, and modeling addressing climate change, energy, and environmental justice.
Our History
Founded by AEC Director and Principal Economist Elizabeth A. Stanton, PhD, in 2017, our talented researchers and analysts provide a unique service-minded consulting experience. Dr. Stanton has had two decades of professional experience as a political and environmental economist leading numerous studies on environmental regulation, alternatives to fossil fuel infrastructure, and local and upstream emissions analysis. Over time, AEC has grown to include both professional staff and graduate student research assistants.
Mission Statement
Based in Boston, Massachusetts, the Applied Economics Clinic (AEC) is a mission-based non-profit consulting group that offers expert services in the areas of energy, environment, consumer protection, and equity from seasoned professionals while providing on-the-job training to the next generation of technical experts.
Our Mission
Provide low-cost and (when we receive foundation grants) pro bono expert services to public interest groups on the topics of energy, environment, consumer protection, and equity.
Train the next generation of expert technical witnesses and analysts by providing applied,
on-the-job learning experiences to graduate students in related fields.Work proactively to support and promote diversity in the fields of economics, engineering, math and sciences.
Our Commitment to Service, Diversity, and Inclusivity
Climate change poses the gravest threat to those who did the least to cause it—people in poverty, socially and economically vulnerable populations, and frontline communities. That said, “environmentalism” as such has remained a stubbornly white, wealthy endeavor and AEC seeks to be a part of ensuring that the future of environmentalism—and the technical experts like us that support these causes with research and analysis—is more inclusive and diverse than it has been in the past. AEC acknowledges that the root causes of climate change are shared with those of the other social ills like poverty, racism, and poor health outcomes. As such, we seek to build bigger, deeper coalitions and find allies that are representative of the communities most affected, and to work for change. The environment is more than nature; it is where we work, play and live. AEC seeks to build relationships with organizations working to protect it as a safe and healthy home for all communities, and especially communities that have been historically marginalized and underserved.
AEC’s non-profit status allows us to provide lower-cost services than most consultancies and when we receive foundation grants, AEC also offers services on a pro bono basis to environmental justice-focused community-based organizations. Our clients are primarily public interest organizations—non-profits, government agencies, and green business associations. We work proactively to foster diversity and inclusivity in our areas of work by providing applied, on-the-job learning experiences to graduate students—and occasionally highly qualified undergraduates—in related fields such as economics, environmental engineering, and political science. Over the years, we have hosted research assistants from Boston University, Brandeis University, Clark University, Tufts University, and the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. We are committed to maintaining a just workplace that is diverse, pays a living wage, and is responsive to the needs of our staff.
Funding
The Applied Economics Clinic is a non-profit organization. We receive funding from three sources:
Public Interest Clients:
We provide high-quality services to public interest clients for low hourly rates with the goal of making our expertise accessible.Foundations:
We seek out foundation grants both for general support and to support specific projects. Our ability to offer pro bono work depends on foundation grants and other funding.Donors:
Donations from supportive community members like you help us offer pro bono services and expertise to organizations who need it most. We believe in giving back to those working to empower their communities to become more just, equitable, and sustainable. Please see our Pro Bono Fund page to learn more and donate!