Robert & Patricia Switzer Foundation

Fellowship Year: 2012

Academic Background: Brown University - Ph.D. - (Environmental Sociology)

David Ciplet is a doctoral candidate in the Department of Sociology at Brown University. His research has focused on understanding relationships of power and inequality in global climate change politics. As part of this work, he has authored numerous reports with the organization, The International Institute for Environment and Development, that assess the adequacy of finance provided to developing countries to adapt to climate change. Turning his attention to the domestic context, his dissertation research is concerned with political factors that are both enabling and constraining a transition to more sustainable energy policy in the U.S. David also leads a team of Brown University students to support environmental health and justice initiatives in the Providence community. Prior to being a graduate student, he worked as a national organizer for more equitable and sustainable approaches to the problem of waste. He hopes to continue to facilitate opportunities for students to engage with issues of environmental equity and to contribute knowledge to environmental policy-making processes that is accessible and useful.

Expertise: Environmental Justice