AURÖ: Advancing Environmental and Resource Economics in the German-Speaking World

In today’s rapidly evolving global economy, environmental and resource economics have become critical areas of study. The AURÖ—short for the Standing Field Committee on Environmental and Resource Economics—serves as a cornerstone in the German-speaking academic and professional landscape. Established under the umbrella of the German Economic Association (Verein für Socialpolitik), AURÖ is dedicated to promoting high-quality research, collaborative knowledge-sharing, and the development of young scholars in environmental and resource economics.

What Is AURÖ?

AURÖ (Arbeitskreis Umwelt- und Ressourcenökonomik) is a prominent academic body that brings together economists and researchers focused on environmental and resource-related challenges. The committee operates within the German Economic Association and is particularly active in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. While primarily academic in nature, the work done by AURÖ has a direct impact on real-world environmental policy, sustainability efforts, and global resource management.

Historical Background

The origin of AURÖ dates back to 1992, when the growing interest in environmental issues necessitated a more formal academic structure for discussion and advancement. A year later, in 1993, the AURÖ was officially recognized by the German Economic Association. Over the decades, the committee has played a pivotal role in shaping the academic discourse on resource economics and environmental sustainability in the German-speaking world.

Objectives and Mission

The core objectives of AURÖ are multi-faceted:

• Promoting Research: Supporting advanced academic work in environmental and resource economics.

• Networking: Connecting scholars, policymakers, and institutions across borders.

• Mentorship: Nurturing early-career researchers through workshops and mentorship programs.

• Policy Influence: Bridging academic research with practical environmental policy applications.

By fostering a research-driven ecosystem, AURÖ ensures that contemporary environmental challenges are addressed with scientific rigor and interdisciplinary collaboration.

The AURÖ Workshop for Young Researchers

One of AURÖ’s most celebrated contributions is the AURÖ Workshop for Young Researchers, an annual event that offers PhD candidates and post-doctoral researchers a platform to present their work. Traditionally hosted in collaboration with universities and economic research institutions such as ZEW Mannheim, the event attracts participants from across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

Structure of the Workshop

• Presentations: Early-stage researchers present their papers to an expert audience.

• Feedback Sessions: Senior academics provide constructive critiques.

• Networking Events: Social dinners and discussions facilitate cross-border collaborations.

• Thematic Coverage: Topics include climate policy, energy markets, biodiversity, circular economy, and sustainability transitions.

The workshop not only aids academic development but also builds the confidence and visibility of emerging scholars in the field.

Focus Areas in Environmental and Resource Economics

1. Climate Change Economics

AURÖ supports research addressing economic policies aimed at climate change mitigation and adaptation. This includes carbon pricing, emission trading systems, and green innovation subsidies.

2. Natural Resource Management

Research into sustainable exploitation of renewable and non-renewable resources—like water, forests, and fossil fuels—is central to the committee’s mission.

3. Energy Economics

AURÖ encourages studies that assess the transition to renewable energy, energy efficiency measures, and the economics of nuclear and fossil fuels.

4. Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services

The valuation of ecosystem services and biodiversity is a rising field. AURÖ has backed several projects assessing how to quantify and integrate nature into economic models.

AURÖ’s Role in Shaping Environmental Policy

The work promoted by AURÖ frequently serves as the intellectual backbone for environmental policymaking in Europe. Many of its affiliated researchers advise government ministries, contribute to European Union policy frameworks, and consult with international organizations like the OECD and UN.

Knowledge Transfer to Policymakers

• Briefing Papers

• Policy Reports

• Public Hearings & Roundtables

This exchange ensures that complex environmental models and projections influence real decisions in energy, climate, and sustainability sectors.

Collaborations and International Outlook

Despite its German-speaking foundation, AURÖ maintains international reach by cooperating with global organizations such as:

• European Association of Environmental and Resource Economists (EAERE)

• International Society for Ecological Economics (ISEE)

These collaborations bring in a wide range of methodologies and viewpoints, making AURÖ’s work globally relevant.

Academic Publications and Contributions

Members of AURÖ contribute to high-impact journals in environmental economics, including but not limited to:

• Environmental and Resource Economics

• Ecological Economics

• Journal of Environmental Economics and Management

Their work covers both theoretical modeling and empirical case studies, ensuring a balanced and impactful academic output.

Leadership and Governance

AURÖ is governed by a rotating committee of leading economists from prestigious institutions. Elections are held periodically to ensure fresh perspectives and maintain academic excellence. These leaders often hold concurrent positions at renowned universities and research centers, reinforcing the committee’s influence across academic and policy landscapes.

Inclusivity and Diversity

AURÖ actively promotes gender diversity, interdisciplinary research, and the inclusion of researchers from underrepresented regions and institutions. Programs are tailored to ensure equal access to opportunities, particularly for early-career female economists and international scholars.

Future Goals and Strategic Vision

Short-Term Goals:

• Expand workshop participation beyond DACH (Germany, Austria, Switzerland)

• Deepen links between economics and environmental science departments

• Provide more open-access policy briefs and datasets

Long-Term Goals:

• Influence EU Green Deal research agendas

• Facilitate sustainable development goals (SDGs) alignment in academic research

• Broaden cooperation with non-European economic institutions

Conclusion

AURÖ stands as a beacon of excellence in the field of environmental and resource economics. Through its commitment to high-quality research, mentorship, policy impact, and international collaboration, the committee continues to shape the future of sustainability discourse in Europe and beyond. For young researchers and seasoned economists alike, AURÖ offers a platform to engage, learn, and make a tangible difference in how economies interact with the natural world.