New Zealand has been engaged in debate around emissions reduction targets and the policies needed to achieve them. Recently, the Tax Policy Charitable Trust sponsored a visit from Ian Parry, a leading international expert on climate change mitigation strategies, including carbon pricing and emissions trading schemes.
As the Principal Environmental Fiscal Policy Expert at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Ian brings a wealth of relevant experience and research. Prior to joining the IMF in 2010, he held the prestigious Allen V. Kneese Chair in Environmental Economics at Resources for the Future, where he worked for 15 years. Ian also holds a PhD in economics from the University of Chicago, where his doctoral thesis, supervised by Nobel Laureate Gary Becker, focused on carbon taxation.
Ian’s current research examines the economic impacts and optimal design of a wide range of environmental, energy, and transportation policies. A central focus of his work is on the critical role of fiscal instruments, such as carbon pricing, in addressing environmental externalities and generating revenue.
During his visit to New Zealand, Ian engaged with various government departments, , to share his insights and he also delivered public lectures to tax professionals.
In Wellington, Ian presented with James Every-Palmer from Lawyers for Climate Action to discuss the strengths and limitations of New Zealand’s carbon pricing system. In Auckland, he held a public lecture at the University of Auckland, exploring the global context of environmental challenges, the role of mitigation instruments, and ways to enhance the acceptability of such policies and broader environmental concerns. Ian concluded his presentation with observations specifically focused on Aotearoa .
In between his various engagements, Ian was also interviewed by Radio New Zealand, discussing “How do market based carbon pricing schemes work around the world?”
Ian’s expertise extends beyond his scholarly work. He has published over 50 papers in professional journals and authored numerous other publications, including the books “Fiscal Policy to Mitigate Climate Change: A Guide for Policymakers,” “Issues of the Day: 100 Commentaries on Environmental, Energy, Transportation, and Public Health Policy,” “Getting Energy Prices Right: From Principle to Practice,” and “Implementing a US Carbon Tax: Challenges and Debates.”
The Tax Policy Charitable Trust has a history of bringing distinguished experts to New Zealand, with previous visiting lecturers including David Bradbury, Deputy Director for the Centre of Tax Policy and Administration at the OECD, Michael Keen, former Deputy Director of the IMF’s Fiscal Affairs Department, and Joel Slemrod, an American economist and professor of economics and public policy at the University of Michigan.