EfD researchers increased their academic publishing considerably in 2024 compared to previous years, producing 518 publications. This included 339 articles in international peer-reviewed journals—an increase from 277 in 2023 and 231 in 2022. Their work was featured in leading publications such as Nature, Science, and the Journal of Development Economics. 

The year began with the implementation of 17 research projects approved by the EfD Research Committee in 2023. These projects fall into three categories: Multi-country and synthesis studies (4), collaborative projects (8), and applied research capacity for Sub-Saharan African centers (5). They focused on climate change, air quality, energy, fisheries, agriculture, forestry, water, health, waste management, carbon pricing, policy design, and gender. 

Collaborative programs were showcased 

A highlight was the launch of the Carbon Pricing Incidence Calculator (CPIC) at COP-28 by MCC Berlin. This tool helps policymakers assess the economic impacts of carbon pricing on different income groups, supporting fair and effective climate policies. Professor Jan Steckel, a member of EfD’s Climate Policies for Development (CPfD) program, led the initiative. 

Another milestone was the progress of the EU-funded TRANSPATH project, which completed its first 18-month evaluation. Led by Professor Francisco Alpízar, TRANSPATH focuses on sustainability transitions, aligning closely with the SCOPE (Sustainable Consumption and Production) initiative.  

Expanding outreach and impact 

The approved EfD research projects in 2024 involve 16 principal investigators (nine male and seven female). These projects focus on environmental and sustainability challenges, including climate change adaptation and mitigation, energy transitions, carbon pricing, air quality management, water resources, waste management, and sustainable forestry. Cross-cutting themes are gender equity, fisheries, agriculture, public health, and policy design. 

With its expanding research output and increasing policy engagement, EfD continues to play a vital role in supporting sustainable development globally.