CSU environmental economist Edward Barbier receives international Blue Planet Prize

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Colorado State University Distinguished Professor Edward Barbier – one of the world’s best known environmental economists – has been named a 2026 laureate of the Blue Planet Prize, a prestigious international award recognizing significant contributions to solving global environmental challenges. 

Often referred to as the “Nobel Prize of environmental sciences,” the award is conferred by the Asahi Glass Foundation, based in Tokyo, and honors individuals or organizations whose work improves the global environment. This is the first time a CSU faculty member has received the prize in the award’s 35-year history, and it’s the second time in recent months that the environmental economist has received a prestigious honor. In April, Barbier was elected to the National Academy of Sciences. 

Barbier is widely regarded as a leading voice in connecting economic theory with ecological realities, advocating for the integration of nature and ecosystems as natural capital in economic systems. 

“Nature is fundamental to our economic wealth and well-being,” Barbier said. “Explaining why this matters for economic prosperity and sustainability has been my life’s work as an economist. I am profoundly grateful to the Asahi Glass Foundation for recognizing the relevance of my ideas to solving today’s global environmental challenges.” 

CSU System Chancellor Tony Frank, who nominated Barbier for the award, said the Blue Planet Prize is an outstanding tribute to an exceptional body of work. During his career, Barbier has authored more than 350 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters and has written or edited 27 books, including the award-winning Economics for a Fragile Planet. 

“Ed Barbier has transformed global understanding of how economies should treat nature, biodiversity and ecosystems,” Frank said. “His knowledge and advice have been sought by industries and government; his writing and teaching have influenced the study and practice of economics for a generation at Colorado State University and around the world.” 

Barbier’s work has shaped international policies on sustainability, poverty reduction and environmental conservation. His landmark report, A Global Green New Deal, commissioned by the United Nations Environment Programme in 2009, presented a recovery strategy integrating economic revitalization, poverty reduction, decarbonization and ecosystem protection. The report redefined the environment as a “strategic investment” for economic prosperity. 

Barbier’s research has placed the value of nature at the heart of economic systems, influencing investment decisions, policy design and institutional governance. His work also highlights the need to address ecological scarcity and inequality, demonstrating how environmental degradation disproportionately affects vulnerable populations. 

CSU President Amy Parsons added that Barbier’s selection for the Blue Planet Prize reflects the extraordinary impact of his work. 

“Dr. Barbier’s scholarship has fundamentally redefined how we understand the connection between nature and the economy, has shaped international policy and has guided global leaders toward more sustainable choices,” Parsons said. “We are tremendously proud of this recognition and of the ways Dr. Barbier advances CSU’s land-grand mission to deliver lasting benefits for our world.” 

Barbier joins Linda S. Birnbaum, former director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, as one of two laureates for the 2026 Blue Planet Prize. The laureates will be honored at an award ceremony scheduled for Oct. 28, in Tokyo, Japan. This year marks the 35th awarding of the Blue Planet Prize, presented by the Asahi Glass Foundation, which funds scientific research, supports university students and recognizes global environmental achievements. 

“Seeing Dr. Barbier’s name added to the roster of the world’s most influential environmental pioneers by the Asahi Glass Foundation as a Blue Planet Prize Laureate is a deeply proud moment for both Ed and Colorado State University,” said CSU Provost and Executive Vice President Lise Youngblade. “It acknowledges that his brilliant scholarship is uniquely and fundamentally changing humanity on a global scale. Time and time again, he is being recognized in an elite tier of scholars who are tackling the defining environmental challenges and crises of our era.”