Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

DEI Statement |  Funding Opportunities | Resources | Statistics

As a professional organization representing environmental and natural resource economists, AERE is committed to facilitating an equitable and inclusive environment throughout the organization, at sponsored professional events and activities, and through its journals. This requires a culture in which all individuals are respected and are treated fairly regardless of factors such as age, sex, gender identity and expression, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, health condition, marital status, parental status, genetic information, physical appearance, political affiliation, professional status, personal connections, or socioeconomic background. View AERE demographic data>> 

AERE’s leadership is committed to playing an active role in creating and maintaining an inclusive and professional climate that fosters open and constructive discussions and dialogue amongst all its members. It demonstrates its commitment to inclusivity in at least four ways:

1. Seeking out diversity in the individuals represented and professional opinions expressed at our conferences and workshops, in our journals, and by our awards (Learn more about funding opportunities)
2. Conducting a fair, open, and inclusive Board nominating process and seeking diversity in all elected and unelected leadership roles, including but not limited to AERE officers, board and committee members, conference organizers, and editors
3. Adopting and enforcing a Code of Conduct that prohibits, any type of discrimination or harassment, including sexual harassment and racism and 
4. Maintaining a standing committee approved by the Board to foster equity, diversity, and inclusion in its sponsored professional activities and duties.

AERE does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age, or sex in administration of its programs or activities, and AERE does not intimidate or retaliate against any individual or group because they have exercised their rights to participate in actions protected, or oppose action prohibited, by 40 C.F.R. Parts 5 and 7, or for the purpose of interfering with such rights.

Questions or concerns may be referred to the AERE Executive Director by email at [email protected] or to the Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Formal complaints should be made in writing to the AERE Executive Director. Submit a complaint>>

Funding Opportunities

• Travel funds: AERE benefits from the full participation of students, established scholars and early-career scholars at its events. Attending the AERE Summer Conference provides scholars with a chance to showcase their work and strengthen their professional networks. However, many students, institutions and other employers have limited funds for conference travel, which can limit the diversity of participants. To encourage broad and diverse participation in the AERE Summer Conference, we have a limited amount of travel funds for students and non-student participants that help cover the cost of attending the conference.
• Event funds: AERE’s Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion can help you host an event that works to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in our community. The types of events can include affinity-specific happy hours at AERE conferences or partner events, the hosting of a virtual event with an external speaker from a community-based organization, or any other event that advances AERE's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Apply for funding>>

DEI-Related Events and Other Resources

AERE produces events, such as webinars, workshops and panels, and provides access to resources that help advance the diversity, equity and inclusion of our field.

Demographic Data

Starting in 2021, AERE has asked its constituents to voluntarily share demograpic data in order to track diversity metrics within our association. We will continue to analyze and assess our ability to attract and retain a diverse group of researchers and students within the environmental economics field. We encourage you to submit or update your demographic information to ensure a more accurate representation of our community.