Ken-Ichi Akao is a Professor at the Faculty of Social Sciences, Waseda University, where he has been serving since April 2002. Previously, he held positions as Associate Professor (1997-2002), Lecturer (1995-1997), and Instructor at Waseda University. He also served as an International Visiting Scholar at UC Davis (2002-2004) and as a Visiting Professor at KIER, Kyoto University (2008). Dr. Akao received his Ph.D. from Kyoto University and holds degrees from Kyoto University Faculty of Agriculture (1984) and Graduate School, Faculty of Agriculture Department of Forestry (1989). Dr. Akao's academic journey began at Kyoto University, where he completed both his undergraduate and graduate studies in Agriculture with a focus on Forestry. He earned his Doctorate from Kyoto University Graduate School, Faculty of Agriculture Department of Forestry in 1989. His academic career commenced as a Research Fellow with the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (1989-1990), followed by positions at Kyoto University and eventually Waseda University. Dr. Akao's research spans the intersection of environmental economics, resource management, and economic theory. His work focuses on sustainable development, climate change policy, intergenerational equity, and the economic analysis of natural resource management. He has made significant contributions to understanding the theoretical foundations of sustainable development, particularly examining the conditions under which sustainable paths can be achieved within standard economic models. His recent research explores the role of dialogue and communication in fostering altruism toward future generations in the context of climate change. Dr. Akao has also investigated optimal forest management when carbon sequestration services have economic value, and the impact of environmental taxation on green innovation. With a publication record spanning several decades, Dr. Akao's research demonstrates a consistent focus on the economic dimensions of environmental challenges. His work combines rigorous theoretical modeling with practical policy implications, particularly in the areas of climate change mitigation, sustainable resource management, and intergenerational equity. Recent publications show an increasing interest in behavioral aspects of environmental decision-making, including how dialogue and communication can influence altruistic behavior toward future generations. His research often employs dynamic game theory and optimal control methods to analyze long-term environmental and resource management problems. Co-editor, Environmental Economics and Policy Studies (Springer Journal), 2010-present Managing Editor, Environmental Economics and Policy Studies (2014-2018) Editorial Board, International Review of Environmental and Resource Economics, 2021-present Editorial Board, Chinese Journal of Population Resources and Environment, 2020-present Dr. Akao is an active member of multiple professional organizations including the Econometric Society, European Association of Environmental and Resource Economists, Asian Association of Environment and Resource Economics, and Society for Environmental Economics and Policy Studies. His research has been presented at major international conferences worldwide, demonstrating his significant contribution to the field of environmental economics and sustainable development.
