Rachel Cleetus is an economist with the Union of Concerned Scientists Climate Program. The focus of her work is designing effective global warming policies at the federal, regional, state and international levels. These policies include both market-based and sector-based approaches. In addition, she analyzes the economic costs of inaction on climate change.

Prior to joining UCS, Dr. Cleetus worked as a consultant for the World Wildlife Fund, doing policy-focused research on the links between sustainable development, trade, and ecosystems in Asia and Africa. She also worked for Tellus Institute in the energy and environment program. Dr. Cleetus holds a Ph.D. and an M.A. in Economics from Duke University and a B.S. in Economics from West Virginia University.