Zdravka Tzankova

Zdravka Tzankova is an Associate Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies in Climate and Environmental Studies at Vanderbilt University. She is affiliated with the College of Arts and Science and actively contributes to interdisciplinary research on private environmental governance, climate policy, and environmental justice.

• Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley, 2007

Her research focuses on the public policy and social equity implications of corporate environmental actions, particularly in decarbonization, supply chain sustainability, and carbon offsetting. She explores how market-based governance and strategic litigation can disrupt institutional inertia and advance environmental progress. Her work bridges academic scholarship with real-world policy impact, often engaging with public audiences through platforms like Fast Company and The Conversation.

The recent publications highlight a strong trend toward integrating climate action with equity considerations, especially in urban sustainability, energy access, and biodiversity protection. Her research increasingly emphasizes innovative financial and policy mechanisms—such as monetizing energy efficiency in low-income housing through carbon offsets—that link environmental goals with social justice.

• Carbon offsetting as a tool for environmental justice
• Corporate influence on clean energy policy
• Public-private governance interactions in fisheries and energy
• Urban and suburban regenerative landscaping
• Nitrogen pollution impacts on endangered species

Zdravka Tzankova advises undergraduate programs and leads curriculum development in Climate and Environmental Studies. While no formal students are listed, her role as Director of Undergraduate Studies suggests active mentorship and academic leadership. Her work is supported by interdisciplinary collaboration and engagement with policy stakeholders, though specific grants are not mentioned. She contributes to advancing frameworks that merge environmental governance with equity-centered solutions.

She is involved in research teams focusing on socio-ecological systems, climate justice, and sustainable urban development. Her projects often integrate ecological, legal, and policy perspectives, working across disciplines to develop disruptive tools for persistent environmental challenges.