Dr David Comerford

I am a Senior Lecturer in Economics at the University of Strathclyde. I have a broad spectrum of interests across applied economics, but especially in climate change economics, and in international economics. I am particularly interested in where these two areas may intersect: namely in the potential for climate change to damage global economic integration. Details of my current research projects and published articles can be found on the Research tab.

The goal of my work is to study long term policy issues and to provide relevant and impactful research. My experience to date has included engaging with policy makers and writing in the press, both about general economic issues and about my specific research.

Currently I teach undergraduate Macroeconomics, and masters level International Macroeconomics, and Climate Change economics and policy.

My Ph.D. in economics was awarded in July 2013 by the University of Edinburgh. Before returning to university to study economics, I was a qualified life insurance actuary. My previous degrees were in Mathematics and Physics.

My research focuses on the economics of climate change and climate change policy. Recent papers describe projects: looking at how economic shocks affect the transition to a low carbon economy; asking whether gains from trade are important for the magnitude of optimal climate policy; and examining how a bust in the global economy caused by writing off fossil fuel assets can be mitigated. 

My current research is looking at the political economy of climate policy and I have projects that variously: analyse global climate negotiations around loss and damage; consider whether and how climate damages may affect global economic integration and cooperation; study the comparative ability of democracies and autocracies to implement long-term climate policy; investigate the use of pension incentives as an alternative climate-policy instrument; and research whether climate damages impact the level of income and wealth inequality.