James Opaluch

  • Professor
  • Environmental and Natural Resource Economics
  • Phone: 401.874.4590
  • Email: jimo@uri.edu
  • Website

Decision research and policy simulation: using technology-based tools to help communities make better decisions regarding their futures by helping them to better visualize the consequences of alternative policy actions (including inaction) on ecosystems, environmental quality, town finances and the character of their community. Tools include Geographic Information Systems (GIS), digital imagery, and virtual reality tools, all integrated into multi-disciplinary computer models that forecast impacts. Understanding values and their relationships to decision making by individuals and small groups. Understanding how information is used to contribute to decision making, and identifying the best forms for information to contribute to wise choices.


Research