Gang He
Asst Professor
Marxe School of Public and International Affairs
Department: Public Affairs
Areas of expertise: Climate change, Energy and climate policy, Energy systems, Energy transition
Email Address: gang.he@baruch.cuny.edu
> View CV- Biography
- Teaching
- Research and Creative Activity
- Grants
- Honors and Awards
- Service
Gang He’s research focuses on energy systems, energy and climate policy, and energy transition. His work advances data-driven, evidence-based energy and climate policy research and offers policy insights into energy decisions and climate actions to achieve carbon neutrality.
His leading and collaborative work has appeared in high-impact interdisciplinary and field journals such as Nature, Nature Communications, Nature Energy, Nature Water, One Earth, Environmental Science & Technology, and Energy Policy. His research has been reported by Nature, Scientific American, Carbon Brief, National Geographic, E&E News, among others.
His work has informed policy processes. His research findings have been cited in notable reports by global institutions such as the IPCC(AR6), IIASA, World Bank, UNEP, IRENA, WTO, SEI, IISD, CSIS, and Brookings. He testified for the New York State Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act and has advised the New York State Climate Action Council’s Scoping Plan. He has also been involved in the U.S.-China collaboration on energy and climate change.
He received his Ph.D. in Energy and Resources from University of California, Berkeley. He also holds an M.A. in Climate and Society from Columbia University, and a B.S. and M.S. in Geography from Peking University.
Links: Personal Website | Google Scholar | Deep Energy and Climate Policy Lab
Open Courses: PAF 9187: Energy and Climate Policy | PAF 3195: Energy, Climate, and Society | PAF 9174: Program Evaluation
Education
Ph.D., Energy and Resources, University of California, Berkeley
M.A., Climate and Society, Columbia University
M.S., Geography, Peking University
B.Sc., Geography, Peking University
| Semester | Course Prefix | Course Number | Course Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2024 | PAF | 9199 | Selected Topics In PAF |
| Spring 2024 | PAF | 9174 | Program Evaluation |
| Fall 2023 | PAF | 9199 | Selected Topics In PAF |
| Fall 2023 | PAF | 4199 | Selected Topics |
Journal Articles
Luo, Q., Peng, L., He, G., & Lin, J. (2025). Cost-effectiveness of removing the last 10-20% emissions of China’s power sector. Environmental Research Letters, 20. 044035.
Peng, L., Guo, Y., Liu, S., He, G., & Mauzerall, D. L. (2024). Subsidizing Grid-Based Electrolytic Hydrogen Will Increase Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Coal Dominated Power Systems. Environmental Science & Technology, 58(12). 5187–5195.
Wu, H., Liu, J., Hu, X., He, G., Zhou, Y., Wang, X., Liu, Y., Ma, J., & Tao, S. (2024). Fewer than 15% of coal power plant workers in China can easily shift to green jobs by 2060. One Earth, 7(11). 1994-2007.
Yang, H., Luo, Q., He, G., Lin, J., Johnson, J., Garcia-Menendez, F., Deschenes, O., Mileva, A., & Deshmukh, R. (2024). Regional disparities in health and employment outcomes of China's transition to a low-carbon electricity system. Environmental Research: Energy, 1(2). 025001.
Qin, Y., Wang, Y., Li, S., Deng, H., Wanders, N., Bosmans, J., Huang, L., Hong, C., Byers, E., Gingerich, D., Bielicki, J. M., & He, G. (2023). Global assessment of the carbon–water tradeoff of dry cooling for thermal power generation. Nature Water, 1(8). 682-693.
Chen, S., Lu, X., Nielsen, C. P., McElroy, M. B., He, G., Zhang, S., He, K., Yang, X., Zhang, F., & Hao, J. (2023). Deploying solar photovoltaic energy first in carbon-intensive regions brings gigatons more carbon mitigations to 2060. Communications Earth & Environment, 4(1). 369.
Peng, L., Mauzerall, D. L., Zhong, Y. D., & He, G. (2023). Heterogeneous effects of battery storage deployment strategies on decarbonization of provincial power systems in China. Nature Communications, 14(1). 4858.
Liu, L., He, G., Wu, M., Liu, G., Zhang, H., Chen, Y., Shen, J., & Li, S. (2023). Climate change impacts on planned supply-demand match in global wind and solar energy systems. Nature Energy, 8(8). 870-880.
Helveston, J. P., He, G., & Davidson, M. R. (2022). Quantifying the cost savings of global solar photovoltaic supply chains. Nature, 612(7938). 83-87.
Liu, Z., Deng, Z., He, G., Wang, H., Zhang, X., Lin, J., Qi, Y., & Liang, X. (2022). Challenges and opportunities for carbon neutrality in China. Nature Reviews Earth & Environment, 3(2). 141-155.
Lee, M., & He, G. (2021). An empirical analysis of applications of artificial intelligence algorithms in wind power technology innovation during 1980-2017. Journal of Cleaner Production, 297. 126536.
Zhang, C., He, G., Johnston, J., & Zhong, L. (2021). Long-term transition of China's power sector under carbon neutrality target and water withdrawal constraint. Journal of Cleaner Production, 329. 129765.
He, G., Lin, J., Sifuentes, F., Liu, X., Abhyankar, N., & Phadke, A. (2020). Rapid cost decrease of renewables and storage accelerates the decarbonization of China's power system. Nature Communications, 11(1). 2486.
Lin, J., Liu, X., & He, G. (2020). Regional electricity demand and economic transition in China. Utilities Policy, 64. 101047.
He, G., Lin, J., Zhang, Y., Zhang, W., Larangeira, G., Zhang, C., Peng, W., Liu, M., & Yang, F. (2020). Enabling a Rapid and Just Transition away from Coal in China. One Earth, 3(2). 187-194.
Qin, C., Yan, Q., & He, G. (2019). Integrated energy systems planning with electricity, heat and gas using particle swarm optimization. Energy, 188. 116044.
Bai, H., Feng, X., Hou, H., He, G., Dong, Y., & Xu, H. (2018). Mapping inter-industrial CO2 flows within China. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 93. 400-408.
He, G., Zhang, H., Xu, Y., & Lu, X. (Eds.). (2017). Editorial: Clean power transition in China. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 117. 262-263.
He, G., & Victor, D. G. (2017). Experiences and lessons from China's success in providing electricity for all. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 122. 335-338.
He, G., Avrin, A., Nelson, J. H., Johnston, J., Mileva, A., Tian, J., & Kammen, D. M. (2016). SWITCH-China: A Systems Approach to Decarbonizing China's Power System. Environmental Science & Technology, 50(11). 5467-5473.
He, G., & Kammen, D. M. (2016). Where, when and how much solar is available? A provincial-scale solar resource assessment for China. Renewable Energy, 85. 74-82.
Zhou, N., He, G., Williams, C., & Fridley, D. (2015). ELITE cities: A low-carbon eco-city evaluation tool for China. Ecological Indicators, 48. 448-456.
Avrin, A., He, G., & Kammen, D. M. (2015). Assessing the impacts of nuclear desalination and geoengineering to address China's water shortages. Desalination, 360. 1-7.
He, G., & Kammen, D. M. (2014). Where, when and how much wind is available? A provincial-scale wind resource assessment for China. Energy Policy, 74. 116-122.
He, G., & Morse, R. (2013). Addressing carbon Offsetters' Paradox: Lessons from Chinese wind CDM. Energy Policy, 63. 1051-1055.
Book Chapters
Ohshita, S., Zhou, N., Price, L., Fridley, D., Khanna, N., Hong, L., Lu, H., Fino-Chen, C., & He, G. (2015). Low Carbon Development for Cities: Methods and Measures. (p. 1–23). John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
He, G. (2014). Engaging Emerging Countries: Implications of China's Major Shifts in Climate Policy. Governments’ Responses to Climate Change: Selected Examples From Asia Pacific (pp. 11-24). Springer Singapore.
He, G., & Morse, R. (2013). China's Coal Import Behavior and Its Impacts to Global Energy Market. Globalization, Development and Security in Asia (pp. 69-85). World Scientific.
Presentations
He, G. (2025, March 6). Health and Climate Benefits of Solar Photovoltaic in European Countries and the Role of Imports. Third Annual Conference on Climate Research, Teaching, and Collaboration. Baruch College
He, G. (2025, March 19). Guest Lecture: The Cost Saving, Climate, and Health Effects of Solar PV Global Supply Chains. University of California, Berkeley. : University of California, Berkeley.
He, G. (2024, March 22). Climate change impacts on planned supply–demand match in global wind and solar energy systems. Third Annual Faculty Cross-College Faculty Research Symposium. Baruch College
He, G. (2024, September 26). NYC Climate Week: Role of Clean Energy Global Supply Chains in Achieving Climate Goals. Online: Baruch College.
He, G. (2024, July 11). Panel: Mythbusting: Renewables and Supply Chains. Global Race to Decarbonization and Debunking Misconceptions. New York: UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (UNSDSN), GEIDCO, Sabin Center for Climate Change Law, Climateworks, Columbia Climate School, and UNIDO.
He, G. (2024, September 25). Expert Panel: Subnational Climate Leadership. U.S. - China Subnational Climate Leadership Amid Changing Dynamics. New York: California-China Climate Institute.
He, G. (2024, September 3). Keynote: Cost Saving, Climate, and Health Effects of Solar PV Global Supply Chains. International Conference on Applied Energy 2024. Niigata City, Japan: Keio University.
He, G. (2024, November 21). Climate Change Impacts on Planned Supply–Demand Match in Global Wind and Solar Energy Systems. Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management (APPAM) 2024 Annual Meeting. Washington DC: Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management.
He, G. (2024, October 22). The Climate and Health Benefitsof Imported Solar Photovoltaic inthe U.S.. Seventeenth IAMC Annual Meeting. Online: Integrated Assessment Modeling Consortium (IAMC).
He, G. (2024, October 24). Power Systems Decarbonization: Technology, Policy Responses, and Implications. Online: Peking University.
He, G. (2024, March 27). Role of Global Clean Energy Supply Chain in Achieving Climate Goals. Seminar on China's Environment and Development. : Peking University.
He, G. (2024, February 22). Enabling a Just, Resilient, and Sustainable Clean Energy Supply Chain to Achieve Climate Goals. Second Annual Conference on Climate Research, Teaching, and Collaboration. Baruch College
He, G. (2023, November 13). SWITCH-China: Modeling the Transition of the World's Largest Power Sector. Openmod meets USA 2023. Stanford University
He, G. (2023, April 12). U.S. China Energy Transition. MIT Energy Conference 2023. Boston
He, G. (2022, October 6). Achieving Power Sector Carbon Neutrality in a Low-cost Renewable Era. 2022 INFORMS Annual Meeting. : INFORMS.
He, G. (2022, November 10). Quantifying the cost savings of global solar photovoltaic supply chains. 2022 International Outstanding Young Scholars Environment Forum. Beijing: Tsinghua University.
He, G. (2022, March 14). Achieving power sector carbon neutrality in a low-cost renewable era. Research Seminar. Harvard University: Harvard Kennedy School Growth Lab.
He, G. (2022, February 17). Clean power transition in a low-cost renewable era. Guest Lecture. : Dartmouth College.
He, G. (2022, December 1). Quantifying the cost savings of global solar photovoltaic supply chains. IAMC Annual Meeting 2022. : Integrated Assessment Modeling Consortium.
He, G. (2021, November 30). Long-Term Transition of China’s Power Sector under Carbon Neutrality Target and Water Withdrawal Constraint. IAMC Annual Meeting 2021. : Integrated Assessment Modeling Consortium.
He, G. (2020, December 1). Accelerating renewable energy development in China. IAMC Annual Meeting 2020. : Integrated Assessment Modeling Consortium.
He, G. (2020, September 16). Accelerating renewable development in China. APERC Annual Conference 2020. : Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation.
He, G. (2019, August 13). Rapid decline of renewable and storage costs offers earlier opportunity to decarbonize China's power system. International Conference on Applied Energy 2019. : Applied Energy Journal.
He, G. (2019, April 19). Modeling the drivers of clean energy transition. Department of Engineering and Public Policy Seminar. : Carnegie Mellon University.
He, G. (2018, October 20). China Power System Modeling Workshop: Enabling Transformation. International Forum on Energy Transitions 2018. : Clean Energy Ministerial, IRENA, NREL, CNREC, and SGERI.
He, G. (2017, December 5). The Energy, Air Pollution, and Water Nexus Challenges in Clean Power Transition. The 3rd Sino-U.S. Energy and Environment Forum.
He, G. (2017, June 27). Electrification in developing countries. EIA 2017 Annual Energy Conference. Washington, DC: Energy Information Administration.
He, G. (2017, June 19). Electricity Access Revisited: Asian and International Experience. 40th Annual IAEE International Conference. Singapore: International Association of Energy Economy.
He, G. (2015, August 7). Decarbonizing China’s Power Sector: Potential, Prospects, and Policy. Energy Technology Area Seminar. : Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
He, G. (2015, January 15). Decarbonizing China's Power Sector: Potential, Prospects, and Policy - the SWITCH-China model. International Electricity Modeling Workshop. : U.S. Energy Information Administration.
| Title | Funding Agency Sponsor | Start Date | End Date | Awarded Date | Total Funding | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multi-Country Electricity Transition Potential and Challenges Project (MCET) | Enviornmental Defense Fund | 09/15/2023 | 09/30/2023 | 09/20/2023 | 40000 | Funded - In Progress |
| The carbon mitigation, air quality, and human health benefits achieved by global solar PV supply chains | ClimateWorks Foundation | 07/01/2023 | 06/30/2024 | 05/15/2023 | 100000 | Funded - In Progress |
| Honor / Award | Organization Sponsor | Date Received | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| World's Top 2% Scientists in 2024 | Stanford/Elsevier Top 2% Scientists List 2024 | 2024-09 | |
| Baruch College Faculty Research Award | Baruch College Office of the Provost | 2024-03 | |
| Integrated Assessment Modeling Consortium (IAMC) Best Poster Award | Integrated Assessment Modeling Consortium | 2022-12 | |
| ITIF Energy Innovation Policy and Management Scholar | Information Technology and Innovation Foundation | 2019-05 | |
| Institute for New Economic Thinking Young Scholar | Institute for New Economic Thinking | 2013-05 | |
| Aspen Environment Forum Scholar | Aspen Institute | 2011-06 | |
| Cynthia Helms Fellow | World Resources Institute | 2008-06 | |
| Asia 21 Young Leaders | Asia Society | 2007-11 | |
| Youth Delegate to UNFCCC CoP11/MoP1 | Environment Jeunesse | 2005-11 |
College
| Committee Name | Position Role | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marxe School Curriculum Committee | Committee Member | Present | |
| Marxe School Research Committee | Committee Member | Present | |
| Marxe School Academic Standing Committee | Committee Member | Present | |
| Planning Committee for National Transfer Student Week | Committee Member | 10/20/2023 |
University
| Committee Name | Position Role | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Planning Committee of CUNY Climate Change Consortium | Committee Member | 9/18/2023 | Present |
| CUNY UNFCCC Observer Status Application | Committee Member | 4/8/2024 | 2/10/2025 |
Professional
| Organization | Position Role | Organization State | Organization Country | Start Date | End Date | Audience |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resources, Conservation, and Recycling | Editor, Journal Editor | 9/1/2018 | Present | International | ||
| Nature; Science; Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America; Nature Climate Change; Nature Sustainability; Nature Communications; Science Bulletin; Energy Policy; Environmental Science & Technology; Climate Policy; Applied Energy; Energy Research & Social Science; Resources, Conservation and Recycling; Energy Efficiency; Energy Economics; Journal of Cleaner Production; Energy Conversion and Management, among others | Reviewer, Journal Article | 9/1/2015 | Present | International | ||
| REN21, International Energy Agency, Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University, Maryland University Global Policy Center, Energy Innovation LLC, California-China Climate Institute | Reviewer, Ad Hoc Reviewer | 9/1/2015 | Present | International | ||
| Energy, Ecology and Environment | Editor, Associate Editor | 1/1/2022 | Present | International | ||
| Resources, Conservation, and Recycling Best Paper Award Committee | Committee Member | 1/1/2018 | Present | International | ||
| Sloan Foundation; National Science Foundation | Reviewer, Grant Proposal | 1/1/2021 | Present | International |
Public
| Organization | Position Role | Organization State | Organization Country | Start Date | End Date | Audience |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Energy Transition Sub-working Group of the U.S.-China Working Group on Enhancing Climate Action in the 2020s, Department of State | Task Force Member | 6/24/2024 | 1/20/2025 | International | ||
| China-US High-Level Dialogue on Climate and Energy Power Sector Decarbonization Working Group | Task Force Member | 1/1/2024 | 12/27/2024 | International | ||
| New York State Climate Action Council Scoping Plan Technical Advisor Group | Task Force Member | New York | 1/1/2021 | 12/31/2022 | State | |
| National Offshore Wind R&D Consortium’s R&D Advisory Group | Member | 1/1/2019 | 12/31/2021 | National | ||
| Testimony for New York State Senate Hearings On The Climate Leadership And Community Protection Act | Member | New York | 2/14/2019 | 2/14/2019 | State | |
| Center for Science Teaching & Learning Clean Tech Competition 2017, 2018 | Committee Member | 1/1/2017 | 12/31/2018 | International |