Van Butsic, PhD

Principal Scientist

Forest Management + Geospatial Analysis

Dr. Van Butsic employs geospatial analysis and statistical modeling to improve nature-based carbon removal.

He leverages his expertise in forest science to help clients understand the principles for high-quality carbon removal in the forestry sector. He works closely with Carbon Direct's tech team to integrate science with software.

Background & Bio

Before joining Carbon Direct, Dr. Butsic was an Associate Professor and Cooperative Extension Specialists at UC Berkeley where he combined novel econometric methods with geospatial analysis to understand the causes and consequences of land use policy.

Dr. Butsic has developed methods to look at diverse drivers of land use change including carbon offsets, protected areas, wildfires, agricultural subsidies, war, and the regulation of illicit drugs.

Education

PhD, Forestry

University of Wisconsin

MS, Applied Economics

University of Wisconsin

BS, Economics

Reed College

Awards

Humboldt Research Award

Alexander Von Humboldt Foundation

Publications and Features