Economics in Context Initiative

📮 In addition to textbooks, modules, blogs + videos, we make newsletters, too! Sign up to receive the latest updates on our teaching resources and commentary on economics, equity + sustainability: gdpcenter.org/ECI-Signup

🌏 The  transition to clean energy is  underway, but  challenges remain. How can we accelerate progress toward  climate goals? Explore what shapes our energy future in Ch. 11 of Environmental and Natural Resource Economics: bu.edu/eci/education-materia… #Climate #CleanEnergy #Policy

📈 U.S. inflation rose to 3.7% in Sept., intensifying economic concerns ahead of the midterms. Persistent inflation continues to raise concerns about affordability + poses challenges for the Fed. @PBS explains: pbs.org/newshour/economy/inf… #Inflation #USEconomy #FedPolicy

🪴 Soil plays a vital role in the global carbon cycle. Our module explores how regenerative agriculture, carbon sequestration, and restorative grazing can help reduce emissions + strengthen global food security. Read: bu.edu/eci/2024/08/23/agricu… #Climate #SoilHealth #UNWorldFoodDay

🔦 A recent @nytimes article highlights growing interest in affordable, decentralized electricity systems. ECI has already been exploring this potential through our “Local Solar” project, focused on local power networks: bu.edu/eci/2025/01/01/6553/ #ResilientEnergy #Community #LPNs

🛢️ Diesel prices have surged by over 70% in the past year, driving up costs across supply chains, affecting farmers, transporters, and retailers + adding to inflationary pressures on consumers. @CNBC explains: cnbc.com/2026/09/16/transpor… #DieselPrices #Inflation #IranWar

📢 ECI Research Assistant Eric Christine takes the stage at #TEDxBU this Wednesday, Oct. 14, with “The Hidden Economy of Food, Soil, and Waste.” 6–8:30 p.m. Howard Thurman Center. Stop by to hear from him and other BU students ‼️

📄 Taxes shape government priorities, growth, and income distribution—but tax policy is often misunderstood and fiercely debated. Our module offers critical tools for understanding how tax systems work + who they affect: bu.edu/eci/2024/08/23/taxes-… #TaxPolicy #Inequality #Growth

💡How can communities gain more control over their energy system in the face of growing energy costs? A recent ECI blog examined Local Power Networks (LPNs) as a robust, clean + community-focused solution: bu.edu/eci/2026/09/17/local-… #Community #CleanEnergy #LPNs

🌡️ Earth will soon exceed the 1.5°C global warming threshold. Urgent action is needed to limit further temperature rise—transitioning away from fossil fuels + rapidly reducing GHG emissions. @NBCNews explains: nbcnews.com/science/climate-… #GlobalWarming #FossilFuels #ClimateChange

🥔 Over 1/3 of food produced in the U.S. is wasted. Our project explores how composting + regenerative policies can reduce food waste, lower emissions + improve soil health. Explore more: bu.edu/eci/2026/04/17/circul… #CircularEconomy #FoodWasteAwareness #Composting

🚂 Fossil fuels still provide about 80% of global energy, but the transition to renewable energy is underway. This ECI module discusses key economic tools to accelerate the transition to support climate goals: bu.edu/eci/2026/04/17/circul… #RenewableEnergy #FossilFuels #Climate

♻️ How can dietary shifts and composting support a more sustainable food system? This policy brief explores links between food consumption, waste management, and soil health in the US: bu.edu/eci/files/2026/08/Pol… #CircularBioeconomy #SoilHealth #SustainableFoodSystem

⚡️Amid rising energy costs, how can communities gain more control over their energy system? A new ECI blog explores Local Power Networks as a cleaner, more resilient, community-centered solution: bu.edu/eci/2026/09/17/local-… #CleanEnergy #CommunityEnergy #LPNs

🌐Income + wealth tell only part of the inequality story. Education, health, race, gender + exposure to environmental harms all shape outcomes. Explore what drives inequality + possible policy solutions: bu.edu/eci/2024/08/23/social… #Inequality #EconomicPolicy #Discrimination

🔌Plug-in solar is an inexpensive way to lower electric bills, but what is the safest configuration of outlet + wiring for connecting a plug-in kit? A report from the Local Solar project tackles the question: bu.edu/eci/2025/01/01/6553/

🌱How can we effectively tackle the growing risks of climate crisis? This ECI module presents the latest research + policies including carbon taxes, tradeable permits, and industrial policies. Learn more: bu.edu/eci/2023/04/24/the-ec… #ClimateAction #Sustainability #EconomicPolicies

🪴New policy brief: Composting and dietary shifts can help preserve soil health, reduce food waste, + improve health outcomes. Explore policies built on "One Health" framework to achieve these goals: bu.edu/eci/files/2026/08/Pol… #CircularEconomy #OneHealth #Composting

🔌New report: Plug-in "balcony solar" is booming in Germany—4 million systems, zero reported incidents. Our report explores how to bring this ready-to-go solar option to U.S. homes. Read more: bu.edu/eci/files/2026/07/Sim… #GreenEnergy #SolarPower #EnergyPolicy

🌱 Our module on "green macroeconomics" models the shift from a fossil-based economy to one built on renewables, through climate, resources, and energy return on investment. Learn more: bu.edu/eci/2023/04/24/green-… #GreenEconomics #RenewableEnergy #Sustainability

🌳 Forests and wetlands are critical in the fight against climate change. This ECI module explores how protecting and restoring them cuts emissions, stores carbon, and balances global cycles. Learn more: bu.edu/eci/2024/08/23/forest… #ClimateAction #Forests #Wetlands