ScholarWorks@UMassAmherst

Recent Submissions

  • Publication
    The Green Transformation and the Costs of Market Fundamentalism
    (2025-03) Krebs, Tom; Weber, Isabella Maria
    The structural theory of green transformation acknowledges the complexity of the transformation process and suggests a state-led approach with green industrial policy at its core. In contrast, the market-fundamentalist approach to the transformation problem relies on carbon pricing and the assumption of smooth adjustment to rising market prices. We argue that the recent energy crisis in Germany provides a test of market fundamentalism. We show that the behavior of key macroeconomic variables contradicts the market fundamentalist theory of green transformation. We also detail how mainstream economists and the policy establishment held on to their belief in self-regulating markets despite the empirical failure of market fundamentalism, which led to policy mistakes with large economic and political costs. Policy making based on market fundamentalism caused substantial damage to Germany’s economy and helped the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) double its political support.
  • Publication
    Higher Waters: Visualizing Coastal Resilience for the Working Waterfront in Stonington, Maine
    (2025-05-11) Gotwals, Carrie
    This report aims to demonstrate that incremental landscape-based interventions in densely developed areas of Stonington will result in reduced signs of erosion, improved water quality, and less intense flood impacts. By responding to ecological conditions and enhancing existing features, Stonington’s downtown can feel like a place while reducing negative impacts on its infrastructure systems. Building upon the adaptation assessment completed in 2021 and examining the damage from the winter storms in 2024, this report views seawater and stormwater as one threat to the economy and ecology of downtown Stonington, Maine. This report provides a synthesis of key attributes of Lower and Upper Village, examines previous literature and research relevant to coastal resilience and landscape-based infrastructure, and finally, applies a methodology of evaluation and visualization to propose recommendations for an alternative future of the downtown. Ultimately, this report recommends relocating key components of economic and public infrastructure from the Lower Village to the Upper Village, raising infrastructure in the Lower Village to maintain access to the working waterfront, revegetating some areas of the shoreline along Main Street in the Lower Village, and integrating green infrastructure into the Upper Village. Stonington can set a precedent for resilient, downtown waterfronts for the Down East Maine coast. By balancing economic and ecological needs, in this case by reintroducing vegetation, Stonington will enjoy more resilient infrastructure that supports the working waterfront, economic future, and ecological health of the community and island.
  • Publication
    Legacy Admission Preferences
    (2025-06-11) Center for Student Success Research
  • Publication
    In-State tuition for undocumented high school completers
    (2025-06-11) Osorio Herrera, Marcela