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Ray Kopp

Vice President, Research and Policy Engagement and Senior Fellow, Resources for the Future

Raymond J. Kopp was a senior fellow and director of the International Climate Policy Initiative at Resources for the Future (RFF), a prominent environmental and natural resource economics think tank.13 He passed away on August 19, 2024, after a remarkable 47-year career at RFF.1

Kopp joined RFF in 1977 after completing his PhD in Economics.5 Throughout his tenure, he held various leadership roles, including fellow, director, and vice president.2 His research primarily focused on:

  1. Designing domestic and international policies to combat climate change4
  2. Assigning value to environmental and natural resources without market prices5
  3. Analyzing environmental and natural resource issues6

Kopp was instrumental in developing RFF's climate change research and policy engagement program.2 He participated in side events at annual COP meetings, initiated efforts to understand public attitudes toward climate change mitigation policies, and engaged with domestic policy stakeholders.1

Some of Kopp's notable contributions include:

  • Co-developing the concept of a "safety valve" in climate policy, which has been incorporated into multiple emissions trading programs2
  • Co-leading the Climate Policy Forum, which brought together business leaders to provide policy options for climate legislation2
  • Advising the Senate Appropriations Committee on designing subsidy mechanisms for the nuclear power industry2
  • Leading RFF's work on climate and trade issues, particularly focusing on reducing greenhouse gas emissions in traded industrial goods2

Kopp was known for his ability to make research accessible and relevant to policy, fostering international collaborations, and his patient yet determined approach to climate change research.13

Highlights

Jan 23 · resources.org
Celebrating the Life and Career of Ray Kopp - Resources Magazine
Sep 2 · eiee.org
In memory of Ray Kopp - EIEE
Aug 29 · rff.org
E&E News: “Climate Economist Who Loved Motor Sports, Bonsai ...
Aug 26 · resources.org
Resources for the Future Honors Ray Kopp
Resources for the Future Honors Ray Kopp
May 10 · resources.org
70 Years of RFF: The Legacy of Resources for the Future, with Ray ...

Related Questions

What were some of Ray Kopp's most significant contributions to climate policy?
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What was the "safety valve" policy idea that Ray Kopp proposed?
How did Ray Kopp make environmental economics research more accessible to policymakers?
What role did Ray Kopp play in the establishment of the Climate Policy Network?
Ray Kopp
Ray Kopp, photo 1
Ray Kopp, photo 2
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Location

Washington, District Of Columbia