Manish Bapna

Manish Bapna is an American environmental economist and nonprofit executive renowned for his leadership in global sustainable development and climate policy. He serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the World Resources Institute, a leading global research organization. Bapna's career has focused on aligning economic development with environmental sustainability, working extensively with multilateral development banks, governments, and the private sector.

Early life and education

Bapna was raised in the United States and pursued higher education at prestigious institutions focused on economics and public policy. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and a Master of Science in Technology and Policy from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He later completed a Master in Public Administration in International Development at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, where his studies concentrated on environmental and resource economics.

Career

Bapna began his professional career as an economist at the World Bank in Washington, D.C., working on infrastructure and environmental projects in South Asia and Africa. He subsequently joined the Boston Consulting Group as a strategy consultant. His nonprofit leadership commenced at the World Resources Institute, where he served as the Executive Vice President and Managing Director, overseeing programs on climate change, energy, food, forests, and water. Prior to his current role, Bapna was the Executive Director of the Natural Resources Defense Council's India program and later served as the Chief Operating Officer of the World Bank Group's International Finance Corporation.

Leadership at NRDC and WRI

At the Natural Resources Defense Council, Bapna established and led their first formal presence in Asia, based in New Delhi, focusing on issues like air pollution, clean energy, and water security. His strategic direction helped shape environmental advocacy and policy engagement across the region. As President and CEO of the World Resources Institute, succeeding Andrew Steer, Bapna has steered the organization's research and partnerships toward ambitious global goals, including the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. He has emphasized just economic transitions, the role of nature-based solutions, and corporate accountability, engaging with forums like the World Economic Forum and COP26.

Publications and research

Bapna has authored and contributed to numerous influential reports and articles on environmental economics and policy. His research publications through the World Resources Institute cover topics such as green growth, climate finance, and sustainable cities. He has been a contributing author to major assessments like the World Resources Report and has published op-eds in media outlets including The Guardian and Project Syndicate. His analytical work often examines the intersection of poverty reduction, economic development, and natural resource management.

Awards and recognition

Bapna's contributions to environmental policy have been recognized by various institutions. He has been listed among the most influential voices on climate change by platforms like Apolitical. Under his leadership, the World Resources Institute has consistently been ranked as a top global think tank for environmental policy by the University of Pennsylvania's Think Tanks and Civil Societies Program. His thought leadership is frequently sought by international bodies, including the United Nations Environment Programme and the World Bank.

Category:American environmental economists Category:Harvard University alumni Category:Massachusetts Institute of Technology alumni Category:World Resources Institute people