As a leading researcher in the fields of environmental economics, energy policy, and consumer behavior, Milan Ščasný has made significant contributions to our understanding of how individuals and households interact with the natural world. With an impressive academic background and a diverse portfolio of research projects, Ščasný has emerged as a respected voice in the global dialogue on sustainable development and the interplay between human activity and environmental impact.
Professional Background
Ščasný currently holds the position of Senior Research Fellow at the Environment Center and the Institute of Economic Studies at Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic. He also collaborates with prestigious organizations such as the OECD, ECHA, and WHO-Europe, lending his expertise to a wide range of initiatives aimed at addressing pressing environmental and public health challenges.
Over the course of his career, Ščasný has been involved in more than 60 research projects, co-authoring over 60 articles published in peer-reviewed journals, including prestigious titles like The Energy Journal, Energy Economics, Energy Policy, Climate Policy, Ecological Economics, Economic System Research, Environment & Behaviour, Journal of Risk & Uncertainty, and Journal of Health Economics. His works have been cited over 2,250 times, a testament to the impact and recognition of his research within the scientific community.
Research Interests
Ščasný’s research has primarily focused on three key areas: consumer behavior, the valuation of non-market goods, and the use of energy system and macro-economic models for impact assessment. These interdisciplinary interests have allowed him to explore the complex relationships between individual decision-making, environmental policy, and economic outcomes.
In the realm of consumer behavior, Ščasný has delved into topics such as household energy demand, energy savings, fuel choices, mobility patterns, and dietary preferences, often drawing on social-psychological behavioral theories to inform his analyses. This work has shed light on the motivations and decision-making processes that shape individual and household-level environmental impacts.
The valuation of non-market goods, such as environmental amenities, ecosystem services, and health risks, has been another key focus of Ščasný’s research. Through the use of discrete choice experiments and hedonic pricing models, he has made significant contributions to our understanding of how individuals perceive and value these often intangible, yet crucial, aspects of our natural and social landscapes.
Ščasný’s expertise in energy system and macro-economic modeling has enabled him to assess the broader implications of environmental policies and regulations. By employing tools like computable general equilibrium (CGE) models, energy-economy-environment (E3ME) models, and microsimulation techniques, he has provided valuable insights into the economic and societal impacts of measures aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting energy efficiency, and fostering sustainable development.
Publications
Ščasný’s prolific research output is evidenced by his extensive publication record, which spans a diverse range of academic journals, conference proceedings, and book chapters.
Journal Articles
Ščasný’s journal publications cover a wide spectrum of topics, reflecting the breadth and depth of his research interests. Some of his most notable contributions include:
- “Household preferences for improving air quality: Choice experiments in Beijing, Tianjin, and Shijiazhuang, China” (2019) in Journal of Environmental Management
- “Mesoeconomic Impacts of Climate Change Policies in the Czech Republic” (2018) in Energy Economics
- “Preferences for Mitigation of Climate Change Impacts: A Choice Experiment with Coastal Homeowners in Florida” (2016) in Climatic Change
- “The Impact of Air Pollution on Mortality and Morbidity Rates in the Czech Republic” (2013) in Epidemiologia e Prevenzione
Conference Proceedings
Ščasný’s research has also been widely featured in conference proceedings, allowing him to share his findings with a broader academic audience. Some notable examples include:
- “Valuation of Health Impacts of Air Pollution in Europe: Use of Meta-Analysis in the ExternE Project” (2003) at the 10th Annual International Sustainable Development Research Conference
- “Valuing Mortality Risk Reduction in Developing Countries: Stated Preference Evidence from Delhi, India” (2015) at the 17th Annual Conference of the European Association of Environmental and Resource Economists
- “Household Preferences for Improving Air Quality: Choice Experiments in Beijing, Tianjin, and Shijiazhuang, China” (2018) at the 25th Annual Conference of the European Association of Environmental and Resource Economists
Books and Book Chapters
In addition to his journal and conference publications, Ščasný has contributed to several books and book chapters, expanding the reach and impact of his work:
- “Household Preferences for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Four European High-Income Countries” (2018) in Household Preferences for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Four European High-Income Countries
- “Valuing Mortality Risk Reduction in Developing Countries” (2016) in Handbook of Contingent Valuation
- “Estimating Environmental and Social Costs of Electricity Generation” (2012) in Electricity Generation and Environmental Externalities
Collaborations
Throughout his distinguished career, Ščasný has been actively involved in numerous research projects and has forged strong institutional affiliations, further enhancing the impact and scope of his work.
Research Projects
Ščasný is currently coordinating several large-scale projects, including “Global Excellence in Modeling Climate and Energy Policies” funded within the Horizon 2020 program, “Frontiers in Energy Efficiency Economics and Modelling” funded by the Czech Science Foundation, and “Center for Socio-Economic Research on Environmental Policy Impact Assessment” funded by the Technological Agency of the Czech Republic. These projects exemplify Ščasný’s commitment to tackling complex, cross-cutting issues at the intersection of environmental, economic, and social domains.
Institutional Affiliations
In addition to his primary roles at Charles University, Ščasný has held academic positions at CERGE-EI and has been affiliated with the Center for Social and Economic Research (CASE) in Poland. His international collaborations and institutional affiliations have allowed him to contribute to a global dialogue on sustainability and environmental policy.
Awards and Honors
Ščasný’s exceptional contributions to the field of environmental economics have been recognized through various awards and honors, underscoring the impact and influence of his work.
Academic Distinctions
In 2012, Ščasný was awarded the prestigious Josef Vavroušek Prize, which honors outstanding young researchers in the field of environmental economics and policy. This distinction not only reflects the quality and significance of his research but also his commitment to advancing the understanding of the complex interplay between human activity and the natural environment.
Research Grants
Ščasný’s research has been consistently supported by prestigious funding bodies, including the Horizon 2020 program, the Czech Science Foundation, and the Technological Agency of the Czech Republic. These competitive grants have enabled him to pursue ambitious, large-scale projects that have contributed to the global knowledge base on environmental and energy policy.
Future Research Directions
As Ščasný continues to explore the frontiers of environmental economics, several emerging research areas and potential collaborations suggest exciting avenues for his future work.
Emerging Research Areas
One promising area of exploration is the intersection of consumer behavior, energy efficiency, and smart technology. Ščasný’s expertise in understanding household decision-making processes could provide valuable insights into the adoption and impact of innovative energy-saving technologies, ultimately informing the design of more effective policies and interventions.
Additionally, the valuation of ecosystem services and the economic impacts of climate change remain pressing concerns that warrant further investigation. Ščasný’s skills in non-market valuation and macro-economic modeling could contribute to a deeper understanding of the societal costs and benefits associated with environmental protection and climate change mitigation strategies.
Potential Collaborations
Given Ščasný’s extensive network of institutional affiliations and his reputation as a leading researcher in his field, there are ample opportunities for future collaborations. Strengthening partnerships with organizations like the OECD, ECHA, and WHO-Europe could lead to innovative cross-disciplinary projects that tackle global challenges at the intersection of environmental, public health, and economic domains.
Moreover, Ščasný’s expertise in consumer behavior and energy policy could make him a valuable collaborator for wine producers and hospitality businesses interested in understanding the environmental and economic impacts of their operations. By leveraging his analytical capabilities, these industries could develop more sustainable practices and better cater to the preferences of eco-conscious consumers.
As the world grapples with the pressing challenges of environmental protection, energy transition, and sustainable development, researchers like Milan Ščasný play a crucial role in providing the empirical foundation and analytical tools needed to guide policymakers and industry leaders towards a more sustainable future. With his impressive track record, diverse research interests, and future-oriented mindset, Ščasný is poised to continue making significant contributions to this vital endeavor.