CSL is the cornerstone of the Watson School for International and Public Affairs’ efforts on climate change. We study the socio-political conditions that lead to continued use of the fossil fuels that generate a large part of the world’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and the conditions that lead to clean energy adoption, among other topics. While the Lab’s specialty is the political economy of energy, we draw on the Watson School's deep expertise in climate-adjacent subjects such as trade, finance, gender, inequality and international development to launch new courses, research and policy discussions.

The Watson School is an ideal place for those discussions. With Professors Jennifer Hadden and Christopher Rea among its core faculty, CSL can offer a multi-disciplinary perspective on the climate crisis. It is also home to senior fellows such as Deborah Gordon, who lend their expertise in public discussions and work with students in seminars. Each year, Watson hosts groundbreaking talks with invited experts and between leaders who have different but complementary expertise.

CSL is connected to people and groups around the university working on climate change, such as those at the Institute at Brown for Environment and Society (IBES) and the Initiative for Sustainable Energy (ISE), to generate interdisciplinary lessons and new insights.

As director, I am delighted to be teaching two courses on the politics of climate change in AY2026-27. Those courses arm students at Brown with knowledge of the winners and losers from proposed or implemented climate action, as well as the social movements, institutions and economic interests that shape the response to climate change. 

At the Climate Solutions Lab, we are excited to bring new ideas to find solutions to the climate challenge. Join us!

Jeff Colgan
Director, Climate Solutions Lab
Richard Holbrooke Professor of Political Science and International and Public Affairs