Request for research proposals Green fiscal policies, climate change, and the just energy transition in the Global South

UNI-WIDER invites proposals for new research under the Taxes, Subsidies, and the Environment project, part of its Domestic Revenue Mobilization (DRM) programme and cross-cutting theme on Climate Change. This call seeks innovative theoretical and empirical studies examining how green fiscal policies—including carbon pricing and fossil fuel subsidy reforms—can support equitable, sustainable development and a just energy transition in low- and middle-income countries. Proposal submission deadline: 20 December 2025, 23:59 UTC+2.

See full request for research papers

Background

Climate change poses acute challenges to the fiscal and social resilience of developing economies. Limited tax bases, reliance on primary production, and large informal sectors constrain governments’ capacity to respond effectively to climate shocks and to invest in adaptation and green growth.

Green fiscal policies—such as carbon pricing or fossil fuel subsidy reform—offer potential to mobilize domestic revenue, discourage environmentally harmful activities, and expand fiscal space for inclusive investment. Yet, these measures raise critical equity and efficiency questions, particularly in contexts where vulnerable households may bear disproportionate burdens unless revenues are recycled effectively through tax and transfer systems.

Through this call, UNU-WIDER aims to generate policy-relevant evidence on how fiscal instruments can promote environmental sustainability while supporting a fair and inclusive energy transition in the Global South.

Research focus

We invite proposals that make strong theoretical or empirical contributions to one or more of the following themes:

1. Equity and distributional outcomes — How do carbon pricing and fuel-subsidy reforms affect household welfare, poverty, and inequality? What role can revenue recycling play in achieving a just transition?
2. Behavioural responses and adaptation — How do households and firms adjust to green fiscal policies? How do these interact with climate shocks and adaptation strategies?
3. Structural change, employment, and productivity — How do fiscal measures influence employment shifts between 'brown' and 'green' sectors, labour market frictions, and productivity growth?

Proposals using novel datasets, comparative country analysis, or methodological innovations suited to developing-country contexts—particularly in Africa—are strongly encouraged.

Offer and eligibility

Selected researchers will receive a research honorarium of USD 6,000–10,000, paid in two instalments.
Accepted papers will be published in the WIDER Working Paper series and may later appear in journal special issues or edited collections.

Applications are welcome from individuals, groups, and non-profit organizations, with strong encouragement for submissions from early-career scholars, women researchers, and Global South–based academics.

Dates

Submission details

Each proposal must include:

• An abstract (500–1,000 words) outlining the research question, data, and methodology
• An up-to-date CV for each author

Submissions should be made via the online application form available on the announcement webpage. Applicants may apply as individuals, groups, or institutions.

For questions about the process, please contact researchproposal4@wider.unu.edu by 8 December 2025.

Proposal submission deadline: 20 December 2025, 23:59 UTC+2.

See full request for research proposals