Stuart Evans

2021 Young Alumni Award

Bachelor of Business 2008, Bachelor of Economics 2008
Principal, Vivid Economics

Influencing global climate change policy, developing an internationally recognised Emissions Trading System Handbook and helping countries cut emissions and implement their commitments under the Paris Agreement is all in a day’s work for Stuart Evans.

Stuart began his career supporting the development of Australia's carbon pricing mechanism and advising the Garnaut Climate Change Review and Australia's Minister for Climate Change on climate policy. Now based in London, Stuart leads economic consultancy Vivid Economics' work on climate policy, working on decarbonisation policies spanning more than 50 countries.

Stuart’s work includes supporting the governments of New Zealand and the UK in adopting net zero emissions targets, leading the development of the World Bank's flagship Emissions Trading System (ETS) Handbook report, and leading a major policy review into the EU ETS. And all before the age of 35.

“There are three main parts of my work. The first is doing long-term planning for how economies can shift in order to reach net zero emissions. We provide countries with a road map that can be followed to reduce carbon pollution in a cost-effective way.

“The second part is about developing policies of decarbonisation. I primarily focus on carbon pricing, with the aim to close the gap between what you should be doing and what is in your best interest to do. It's a great way to get people to act. And if you can start doing this at scale, you can get billions of dollars of activities towards reducing emissions,” said Stuart.

The third part of Stuart’s work focuses on helping companies reduce their carbon footprint.

“We look at companies’ ability to cut emissions. How will they be affected by the climate transition? What effect could this have on their business and how can they benefit from being a leader on climate change?”

“Basically, we're trying to solve climate change,” said Stuart. “My team and I are trying to play our part in establishing the set of incentives, the rules and the laws to establish the framework that will guide individuals and businesses’ actions.”

“Hopefully, in the future I will be able to look back and have made a meaningful contribution to addressing climate change. Because what we know is that we need change, and we need it rapidly. It's not going to be easy, but it's also not that hard.

“The solutions are there; we just need to act. Change is about making life better for people in Australia, and all around the world.”

Stuart studied business and economics at the University of Newcastle and found that the diverse curriculum taught him to question the status quo.

“If you're working on climate change, the role of government is really crucial. After I finished at the University of Newcastle, I ended up working in Canberra at the Department of Climate Change and then for the Minister for Climate Change and I was able to apply all of my learnings in order to try and shape that policy. That is what got me started working on carbon pricing, and that's what I've largely been doing ever since.

“The benefit of being an alumnus is really all about the people. When you come across someone from Newcastle, you always have a special connection. Everyone is pretty laid back and they're always willing to help. I found this when I first started working in Canberra, that there was a real community of alumni who were working there. You look out for each other, provide advice on careers, on policy, or meet up on the weekend for a beer.”