Gretchen C. Daily

Gretchen C. Daily is the Bing Professor of Environmental Science and Senior Fellow at the Woods Institute for the Environment at Stanford University, with a courtesy appointment at the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies. She is affiliated with the Center for East Asian Studies and the Biology department. Her research focuses on ecosystem services, biodiversity conservation, and the integration of environmental science with policy and economics. She leads the Woods Research Natural Capital Project, emphasizing practical solutions for sustainable development. Her work spans global issues, including China’s ecological policies, tropical agroecology, and urban nature’s role in human well-being.

Education details are not explicitly listed, but her academic roles suggest advanced training in ecology and environmental policy. Her research interests prioritize translating ecological knowledge into actionable policy frameworks, such as Gross Ecosystem Product (GEP) metrics and equitable access to urban green spaces. She collaborates with international institutions to address biodiversity loss, climate resilience, and sustainable land use.

Recent publications emphasize interdisciplinary approaches to conservation, including the socioecological impacts of urbanization, payment for ecosystem services, and the interplay between agricultural practices and biodiversity. Her work often bridges science and decision-making, highlighting the need for equitable and evidence-based environmental governance. She has contributed to major initiatives like the Natural Capital Project and studies on China’s ecological compensation policies.

Her advisory and grant activities are tied to large-scale environmental projects, though specific student names or grant details are not provided. She is part of interdisciplinary teams addressing global challenges such as tropical deforestation, coral reef restoration, and climate-smart agriculture. Her research often involves fieldwork in regions like Costa Rica, Colombia, and China, reflecting her global perspective on environmental sustainability.

Labs/Teams: Core member of the Woods Institute’s Natural Capital Project, collaborating with the Center for East Asian Studies on policy analyses in China. Engages in international networks for biodiversity governance and ecosystem service valuation.