Energy and Environment Transitions Lab, UCSB

The Environmental and Energy Transitions Lab (ENVENT) is a social science research group run by Leah Stokes and Matto Mildenberger, Associate Professors at the University of California, Santa Barbara. In our lab we research climate change, energy and environmental policy. Our environment and climate change research focuses on public opinion, political behavior and public policy. Our energy research focuses on clean electricity, electrification, and carbon pricing. Our research is often applied, and we undertake significant amounts of engaged scholarship.

Our goals are to influence climate and clean energy policy. Our theory of change is based on studying climate and clean energy policymaking over the past 15+ years. We believe that policy change comes from building a coalition of climate advocates that is well organized and networked, and seeks to influence policy by working both with insiders and creating pressure from the outside, particularly through the media. We also believe that climate and clean energy policy should center benefits for everyday people, rather than costs. We combine engaged scholarship with cutting-edge research to support transformational policy change.